South African long jump legend Khotso Mokoena has transformed his remarkable athletic career into a flourishing business journey. His decision to retire, particularly influenced by the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Games, marked a pivotal moment for Mokoena. It was time to trade in his spikes for new ventures that would benefit the next generation of athletes.

Reflecting on a Stellar Career

Mokoena’s journey in athletics is nothing short of inspiring. He captured a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and repeated that success at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin the following year. His accolades span nearly two decades, showcasing his dedication and skill.

But as Mokoena transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur, he faced a significant question: What’s next?

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Mokoena knew he wanted to approach his athletic career as a business. He had no mentors to guide him, so he turned to alternative sources for knowledge.

• Self-Education: “I come from a small township without mentors in finance or business. I had to learn on my own. I read extensively and explored online programmes to understand entrepreneurship,” he said.
• Investing in Himself: Mokoena prioritised his athletic development, investing in quality physiotherapy, coaching, and even karate to enhance his long jump technique.

Lessons from Early Ventures

Mokoena’s initial foray into business was a challenging one.

• First Business Experience: After the Beijing Games, he invested in a project aimed at upskilling young people. Unfortunately, it failed, but Mokoena viewed it as a crucial learning opportunity.
• Resilience: “Being an athlete teaches you resilience. You learn through repetition, and this experience only fueled my desire to explore new ventures,” he shared.

Retirement: A New Beginning

In 2020, Mokoena officially hung up his spikes, but his competitive spirit didn’t wane.

• Acceptance of Change: “I planned to retire after the 2016 Olympics, but I felt good and pushed through. When the Tokyo Games were postponed, I realised it was time to move on. I had accomplished so much,” he explained.

Paving the Way for Future Athletes

Mokoena’s transition from athlete to advocate for young talent is a testament to his commitment to the sport.

Founding the Youth, Athletes and Skills Development Institute

Mokoena established the Youth, Athletes and Skills Development Institute to equip young people with vital skills.

• Core Mission: The institute focuses on entrepreneurship and character-building programmes. It prepares young athletes for the pressures of success and financial management.
• Real-World Readiness: “When they leave high school, they need to be ready for the real world. We teach them how to manage money and understand their environment,” Mokoena said.

A Voice for Athletes

In addition to his entrepreneurial efforts, Mokoena serves as chairperson of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s (Sascoc) Athletes Commission and is a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ambassador.

• Advocacy: “I ensure that athletes’ needs are met and that we act as their voice,” he stated.
• Athlete Indaba: Mokoena initiated an athlete indaba—a platform for athletes to express their experiences and feedback, fostering communication between athletes and federations.

Legacy and Influence

Khotso Mokoena’s legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements. He is a prime example for young athletes on how to leverage their success.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Athletes

1. Education is Essential: Never stop learning, whether in sports or business.
2. Invest in Yourself: Prioritise your development, both physically and mentally.
3. Embrace Failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities that can lead to future success.
4. Advocate for Others: Use your platform to help those coming after you.

Conclusion

Khotso Mokoena’s journey from long jump legend to successful entrepreneur and advocate for youth illustrates the power of resilience and strategic thinking.

By fusing his athletic experience with business acumen, he not only created a legacy for himself but also paved the way for future generations of athletes. As he continues to guide young talent, Mokoena exemplifies how sports and business can intersect to create a brighter future for all.

Relevant Links for further reading

• Khotso Mokoena: Khotso Mokoena Profile
• Sascoc: South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee
• WADA: World Anti-Doping Agency