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From the Rugby Pitch to the Track: How Neo Mosebi Turned Natural Speed, Relentless Faith, and Unbreakable Focus into Sprinting Success

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Neo Mosebi’s speed isn’t just natural it’s purposeful. A standout sprinter specializing in the 60m, 100m, and 200m events, Neo’s journey into track and field began with raw athleticism on the rugby and cricket fields of South Africa. Once a coach recognized his explosive potential, he transitioned to the track, and from that moment, Neo has never looked back. Now, he’s carving out a name for himself through dedication, faith, and an unshakable drive to be great.

What events do you specialize in, and which one do you enjoy the most?
I specialize in the 60m, 100m, and 200m sprints. Out of all of them, I enjoy the 100m the most because it’s such a fast, technical race that really tests every part of your training.

How did you get started in track and field, and what drew you to your specific events?
I’ve always been involved in sports, but I would say track chose me. I used to play rugby and cricket, and I stood out for my speed. The track and field coach actually poached me from the rugby team, and after a few months of training, I completely fell in love with the sport.

What’s a typical training week like for you in terms of sprint workouts?
We usually take Monday off or just do some light strides. Tuesday is typically our full sprint day, and then Wednesday might be another recovery day. Thursday we sprint again, and Friday is more of a lactic, endurance-based training day.

What’s the most challenging part of your event, and how do you train to overcome it?
The 100m is extremely intense. Even the smallest technical detail or movement can affect your final time. I work hard in practice to focus on precision and consistency, which helps me get those minor things right.

What’s your toughest workout or training session—and how do you mentally get through it?
One of the toughest workouts we did this year was a full-out 300m sprint, followed by a walk-back recovery and then a full-out 150m. The times were intense—31-32 seconds for the 300m and 14-15 for the 150m. Mentally, I just keep pushing by reminding myself why I’m doing it and what I’m working toward.

Do you have a favorite drill or technique that’s helped you improve?
Honestly, I enjoy all the running drills, especially A-skips, B-skips, and high knees. These basics help reinforce proper sprinting form and keep me sharp. They’ve really contributed to refining my technique.

Describe your pre-race or pre-event routine. Any superstitions or must-haves?
Before every race, the night before, I sleep with my Bible and my running vest under my pillow. I only put on my vest moments before I race—it’s a tradition for me. I feel protected by the Lord, and I believe I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big meet?
I try not to let the moment become bigger than it really is. I stay calm and focus on reacting to the gun instead of overthinking. Staying composed helps me perform at my best.

What has been your most memorable performance so far and why?
Winning ACCs was incredibly special. I got injured the week of the meet last year—literally on Monday, and we were racing by Wednesday—so coming back and winning was emotional. It was a long time coming and meant everything to me.

Who do you look up to in your sport, whether locally or professionally?
I really look up to Akani Simbine. He’s a South African sprinting legend, and watching his form and focus is truly inspiring.

What’s one technical aspect of your event you’re really focused on improving right now?
Right now, I’m working on the last 20 meters of my race. It’s where I tend to fade a bit, so I’m really focusing on finishing strong and maintaining top-end speed.

How important is mental preparation in your events, and how do you work on it?
Mental preparation is extremely important. Thankfully, I’ve never struggled much in that area, and I credit God for that strength. But I also know there are great resources around me if I ever do need help staying mentally locked in.

Do you approach your events more with strategy or instinct? Why?
I’d say it’s a mix, but strategy plays a big role. The 100m is very tactical, and the smallest misstep can impact your result. You have to be smart and deliberate with how you run it.

What’s your favorite track or field venue to compete at and why?
Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, is definitely my favorite. The atmosphere, the view, and the energy there are just different—it feels like home.

What kind of music or motivation gets you hyped before competing?
Before warming up, I like listening to Hillsong for spiritual focus. Then I switch to Amapiano during warm-ups to get my energy up and in rhythm.

How do your teammates or training group influence your performance?
My teammates push me to be better every single day. They challenge me not just as an athlete but also as a person. I’m truly grateful to have them in my corner.

What’s your go-to recovery routine after a meet or heavy practice?
I rotate between ice baths, Epsom salt soaks, or using Normatec. But if I had to choose, I’d say I love a hot Epsom salt bath the most—it really helps me relax and recover.

How do you balance school, life, and training? Any tips?
Being a student-athlete is never easy, but I always prioritize academics first. That’s the main reason I’m here, and I never forget that. Track gave me this opportunity, but my studies will carry me forward in life.

Outside of track and field, what are your interests or hobbies?
I’m a big fan of staying active outside of track. I enjoy playing pickleball, bowling, and ice skating. Honestly, I just love being outdoors and trying new things.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your event?
Trust your coach and always be willing to learn. No one ever knows everything, and there’s always room to grow. Be coachable, stay consistent, and trust the process—you’ll go far.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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Gratitude in Every Stride: The Edose Ibadin Approach to Racing, Resilience, and Rising Above

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The 800 meters is often called the “killer event”—too long to sprint all out, too short to pace comfortably. But for Edose Ibadin, it’s the perfect blend of speed, strategy, and mental toughness. What started as a simple extracurricular to help bolster college applications quickly turned into a defining pursuit. Just two weeks into training, he was placed in the 800, and he hasn’t looked back since. From navigating tight packs to powering through race-pace intervals, Edose has embraced every challenge the two-lap test brings. With a blazing personal best of 1:44.65 and a mindset rooted in gratitude and focus, he continues to rise as a force in middle-distance running.

What events do you specialize in, and which one do you enjoy the most?
800m

How did you get started in track and field, and what drew you to your specific events?
I started running because it was just an extracurricular activity that I could do to help with my college applications. My coach put me in the 800m after just two weeks of running.

What’s a typical training week like for you in terms of sprint/hurdle/field event workouts?
Typically, I do one speed session, one endurance session, and one speed endurance session per week. I also cross train a lot, as well as do recovery runs and long runs.

What’s the most challenging part of your event, and how do you train to overcome it?
The most challenging part is the fast pace while running next to people. We don’t get to stay in our own lanes. I train by running behind people, leading reps, and being in the back of a pack. That helps me get used to being in any kind of position.

What’s your toughest workout or training session, and how do you mentally get through it?
Toughest session is definitely either broken 800s with short rest or three hard 400s at race pace or better.

Do you have a favorite drill or technique that’s helped you improve?
I love the fast leg drill.

Describe your pre-race or pre-event routine. Any superstitions or must-haves?
I always warm up in long sleeves and pants. I’ll never come to the track in shorts before the race.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big meet?
By reminding myself that there’s an opportunity to perform well. I also try my best to have an attitude of gratitude.

What has been your most memorable performance so far and why?
My most memorable performance would have to be when I ran my PB of 1:44.65. I wasn’t focused on the time at all. I just focused on winning the race, and the time came as a result of that.

Who do you look up to in your sport, whether locally or professionally?
I looked up to David Rudisha a lot because he’s the world record holder. I’m also inspired by Dawn Harper-Nelson’s story of how she won the Olympics back in 2008.

What’s one technical aspect of your event you’re really focused on improving right now?
I am really focused on improving the middle part of my race—the second and third 200.

How important is mental preparation in your events, and how do you work on it?
Mental preparation is extremely important. I usually visualize, and I work on my self-talk. What I say to myself matters a lot.

Do you approach your events more with strategy or instinct? Why?
It’s a mix of both. It’s good to have a plan, but I have to sometimes adapt on the fly.

What’s your favorite track or field venue to compete at and why?
George Mason University because I’ve run a lot of PRs there.

What kind of music or motivation gets you hyped before competing?
I like listening to all kinds of music, from hip-hop, R&B, dance, drum and bass, to techno. My warm-up playlist has a wide variety of genres.

How do your teammates or training group influence your performance?
My teammates push me every day to be my best. I’ve had so much help from them over the years.

What’s your go-to recovery routine after a meet or heavy practice?
Normatec boots, sauna, and an Epsom salt bath.

How do you balance school, life, and training? Any tips?
Best way to balance is to focus on what’s in front of you and be fully present. Be where your feet are.

Outside of track and field, what are your interests or hobbies?
I enjoy reading, gaming, hanging with friends, swimming, watching movies, and sleeping.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your event?
I would tell them to embrace the journey. Make sure they’re hitting all aspects of the 800—both the speed side and the endurance side. Be patient with yourself and at the same time don’t limit yourself in what you can do.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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