By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
Ntebaleng Letsela, born on February 11, 1990, in Lesotho, is a talented and determined long-distance runner who has made significant strides in her athletic career. She gained recognition at the Petro SA Marathon, where she competed in the Women’s Half Marathon finals and finished 6th.
Her dedication to the sport continued to shine through at the Elliot/Madeira 10km, where she placed 36th overall and secured 1st place in the women’s category, showcasing her dominance in her gender division.
Letsela also participated in the prestigious 33rd Annual Klopper Marathon in Bloemfontein, where she earned an impressive 2nd place finish with a time of 1:31:00. Her consistency and perseverance were further highlighted in the Mountain Marathon in Qacha’s Nek, where she competed against top athletes, including Olympians. Though she finished 5th in the women’s division with a time of 1:36:09, Letsela’s performance in a highly competitive race proved her resilience and determination.
Ntebaleng Letsela’s achievements are an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly women, showing that with hard work and dedication, one can overcome obstacles and achieve success in competitive sports.One of the most memorable performances by Letsela came during the Mountain Marathon held in Qacha’s Nek.
In the women’s division, Olympian Mokulubete Makatisi led the race with a stellar time of 1:27:46, followed by fellow Olympian Neheng Khatala at 1:30:20, and ‘Malineo Mahloko at 1:31:09. Despite facing fierce competition from some of Lesotho’s top runners, Letsela finished in a respectable 5th place with a time of 1:36:09.
Though not at the top of the leaderboard, Letsela’s persistence and performance in a challenging race like this speaks volumes about her resilience. Each time she races, she continues to redefine what it means to be an athlete, and in the process, she inspires countless others.
Ntebaleng Letsela’s journey is not only one of athletic ability but also one of female empowerment. In a world where women often face barriers in accessing equal opportunities, Letsela’s story highlights how sport can be a powerful platform for breaking gender stereotypes and creating opportunities for women to thrive.
Female athletes, especially in African countries, often face unique challenges ranging from limited resources to societal expectations. Yet, women like Letsela are proving that with dedication, grit, and passion, they can overcome these obstacles and rise to the top. By excelling in competitions alongside their male counterparts and at times outshining their competitors, female athletes challenge the deeply ingrained notion that men are the natural leaders in sports.
For women like Letsela, running is not just a sport—it is a tool for empowerment. It provides an avenue to showcase their strength, resilience, and capability. Every race, every win, and every challenge overcome is a testament to the strength of women in sport. For young girls and women watching, Letsela’s story shows them that they, too, have the power to pursue their dreams, no matter the odds.
Ntebaleng Letsela’s legacy extends beyond her individual achievements. As a woman competing in a male-dominated field, she represents the changing narrative in the world of sports, one where women can stand shoulder to shoulder with men and compete on equal terms. Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, especially women, across Lesotho and beyond, to follow their passion and break free from societal expectations.
Through her accomplishments, Letsela encourages young girls to participate in sports, to strive for greatness, and to never doubt their potential. The message she imparts is clear: women have the power to lead, succeed, and make a mark in any field they choose, including athletics.
Ntebaleng Letsela is not just a rising star in athletics; she is a beacon of empowerment for women everywhere.