SOUTH AFRICAN gold medallist, runner Lythe Pillay, is in high spirits as he gears to compete in the men’s 400m and 4x400m men's relay at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The 21-year-old of Benoni, who is in Paris with his coach, said: “The atmosphere here is amazing. Although there is a serious tone in the Olympic village, which is filled with world-class athletes, it is a warm and relaxed environment to be in,” said Pillay, who will compete in the men's 400m heat on Sunday.
He added that his aim was to execute a race plan and push his body throughout the rounds.
“I would say that everyone is a competitor. It is one of the most competitive years in the 400m with small margins separating all competing athletes,” said Pillay.
He said he had not yet had the opportunity to do much exploring.
“I spent the good part of a week training at our holding camp in Montpellier before entering the village yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. In terms of training, my program has been adjusted to taper my body towards competing.”
The 400x4m relay is on August 9.
Pillay won a gold medal in the men’s 400m final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.
He will return to South Africa either on August 12 or 13.