The running community is mourning the loss of Comrades Marathon legend and former champion, Jetman Msuthu, who passed away on Monday, September 15, just days after his wife’s death.

Born in 1957, Msuthu completed the Comrades Marathon 14 times between 1988 and 2016, earning three gold medals, 10 silvers, and one bronze, with his most famous result being the win in 1992.

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) said Msuthu was a beloved figure in the marathon community.

“It is with a deep sense of sadness that we join the running fraternity in mourning the loss of our legend and former winner, Mr Jetman Msuthu, who is part of a generation of athletes who participated in our event when we did not even pay prize money,” said CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo.

Ngcobo said Msuthu’s generation ran this oldest and biggest ultra out of sheer passion, dedication, and determination.

Msuthu burst onto the Comrades scene in 1990, securing sixth place and a gold medal, followed by three silvers. His most notable year was 1992, finishing second (5:46:11) behind Charl Matteus (5:42:34).

However, Matteus was later disqualified for a banned substance, which resulted in Msuthu being declared the winner. In 1993, he helped South Africa win team gold at the 100km World Championships.

He earned another Comrades gold in 1994 and achieved two more finishes under the six-hour mark. From 1998 to 2002, he accumulated five silver medals in the 40-plus category.

After a long break, he returned in 2016 for one last race in the 50-plus category, adding a bronze to his collection.

Ngcobo noted that Msuthu was the second person of colour, after the late Sam Tshabalala, to be officially recognised among those who first crossed the finish line in 1992.

“We are very sad to lose this legendary athlete, and on behalf of the Comrades Marathon Board, staff, ROC, sponsors, suppliers, and members, we wish to pass our condolences to the Msuthu family and the running fraternity for this great loss.

“May the family of Jetman Msuthu find strength during this difficult time. Just days after the Msuthu family said goodbye to his wife, his loss must feel overwhelming.” 

Ngcobo recalled meeting Msuthu in person in 2022 when he donned his winner’s jacket for the first time, retrospectively.

“I was touched by his humble and down-to-earth demeanour. Mr Msuthu will be sorely missed by not only his family, but by the running fraternity as a whole.”

Alain Dalais, general manager of the CMA, stated that Msuthu’s 1992 Comrades Marathon victory showcased his will and dedication, embodying the race’s essence as a trial of spirit, endurance, and strength.

“His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the inspiration he provided to countless runners and South Africans, and his name is etched into the history of the Comrades as well as the hearts of those who admired him,” he said.

Former CMA chairperson and 1982 Comrades Marathon women’s winner Cheryl Winn said Msuthu was a wonderful man and a worthy champion of the 1992 Comrades Marathon.

“Sadly, he has the distinction of being the only winner, male or female, in the 98-year history of the race who never experienced the thrill of breaking through the winner’s tape, nor being celebrated and hailed as the winner on race day,” she said.

Despite this, Winn said he was acknowledged, highly respected, and warmly welcomed into the exclusive club of Comrades winners. “With both enormous pride and humility, he wore the title of Champion for the next 33 years.”

She said he will be missed in his community, where he both mentored and inspired young athletes.

Sifiso Nzuza, former CMA board chairperson, remembered Msuthu as a selfless and great road runner.

“My heart goes out to the family of this incredible athlete during this difficult time,” he said.

Nine-time Comrades Marathon winner Bruce Fordyce said his favourite memory of Msuthu is how humble and gracious he was, and always laughed when he teased him about not being able to carry the Winner’s Baton in 1992.

“But he seemed genuinely overcome with emotion when some of us arranged for him to be photographed carrying it at the Comrades Marathon Association’s Centenary Celebration Run in 2021,” said Fordyce.

Comrades Marathon winner Nick Bester, who won in 1991, said Msuthu was a friend and teammate.

He remembered how representing South Africa at the World 100km Championships in Belgium in 1993, where they won the gold medal in the team category.

“Our team consisted of Cornet Matomane, Zephania Ndaba, Charl Mattheus, Mark Page, Jetman and I, with Bruce Fordyce and the late Vreni Welch as our team managers. Charl and Mark did not finish the race, so Cornet, Zephania, Jetman, and I counted for the team prize. Condolences to his family – he will be missed,” said Bester.

karen.singh@inl.co.za

Source link