Olympic hopeful Thati Zulu reflects on her past triumphs, training regimens, and Cape Town’s impact.
Onthatile ‘Thati’ Zulu is on track to compete in her second Olympic Games. In a recent interview, the Red Bull athlete opened up about her past accomplishments, training regimen and the significant influence of relocating to Cape Town.
Turning Olympic Dreams into Reality
Zulu’s road to the Olympics commenced in 2020 when she realized her goal of making it onto the Olympic squad. Recalling that momentous achievement, she shared, “Being selected for the Olympics was truly a dream come true.” Her participation in the World Cup and Commonwealth Games held special significance, especially with her mother by her side during international travels for the first time. Last year marked a significant turning point in her career as she relocated to Cape Town, secured a partnership with Red Bull (a first for a South African woman in a mainstream sport such as field hockey) and observed a remarkable improvement in her performance.
Progressing from Debut to Second Olympics
As Zulu readies herself for her upcoming second Olympic appearance in 2024, she acknowledges positive changes across various facets. “Feeling physically stronger and better prepared,” she mentions. With a new coach, a deeper team roster and a stronger emphasis on details, Zulu expresses confidence in her readiness. “In general, I’m in a better place. Physically, mentally and tactically,” she confirms, emphasising the progress in her game and mindset since starting out.
Gym Time – Mixed Emotions
While Zulu displays passion on the field, her commitment to fitness is also evident during gym sessions. When questioned about specific exercises she dislikes during training, Zulu doesn’t shy away. “I really dislike the ‘devil’s press.’ It’s quite challenging for me, but it’s part of my routine. Push-ups, pull-ups and devil’s press – those are the ones that I find most challenging,” she acknowledges. Despite the difficulties, she includes these exercises in her regimen to demonstrate her dedication to excellence.
What’s Inside Zulu’s Gym Bag
Ever curious about what items a hockey star carries in their gym bag? Zulu’s gym bag holds more than just gear. “My gym bag usually has my towel for sweat, water, keys to my car, phone and sometimes a Red Bull and banana, depending on how I’m feeling that day,” she shares. This glimpse offers a peek into the practical side of how a professional athlete prepares and manages their energy.
Training Routine for Olympic Success
Zulu’s training schedule is intense as she gears up for the upcoming Olympic Games. “In getting ready for the Olympics, I’ll be training nearly every day,” she says. Her weekly plan consists of three strength workouts, two to three conditioning sessions (running) and two hockey technical training sessions. She also stresses the importance of staying consistent and setting achievable goals to gradually improve fitness levels.
Inspiration and Workout Partner Dynamics
Maintaining motivation year-round can be tough, even for top athletes. Zulu’s solution? “Having a workout partner,” she recommends. “Find someone to work out with who can push you and help you stay on track with your fitness goals.” Zulu understands the value of teamwork in keeping motivation high and reaching fitness milestones.
As she begins her second Olympic quest, Zulu’s narrative motivates not only budding athletes but also individuals striving to step it up in their everyday lives and perhaps kick-start their own fitness journey.
