Athletics South Africa grieved the demise of former Comrades Marathon winner Sam Tshabalala on Monday in Cape Town.
Tshabalala passed away on Sunday at age 65.
Tshabalala, also known as Mshengu, which is his tribe name, was the first black person to win the Comrades Marathon in 1989. He won the down-run race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in 5:35:31, breaking Bruce Fordyce’s record of eight straight wins.
On a day in which black competitors competed for the top spot, Tshabalala performed well enough to beat road-running icon Willie Mtolo into second place.
“It is with sadness that we learn of his demise, as we believed he still had much to contribute to the sport in other ways of his choosing or when the opportunity presented itself. Elite athletes have a greater obligation to serve as role models in their sport and in society. In this regard, we appreciate his efforts with children in Zamdela, Sasolburg, where he stayed.
“On behalf of the ASA Board and the whole athletics community, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Julia, his four boys, his three daughters, his athletes, his friends, and the community of Zamdela. James Moloi, the president of Athletics South Africa, noted that he was a loving person who will be greatly missed.