Latest news with #Leeto
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
South African athletics mourns Mathews Leeto: A Tribute to 'The General'
Mathews Leeto, affectionately known as 'The General', remembered for his humility, quiet strength, and dedication to the sport. Image: Supplied The South African athletics community is in mourning following the death of elite long-distance runner Mathews Leeto, who died in a car accident on Wednesday, along with his coach, Motlagale. Leeto was a prominent member of the Hollywood Athletics Club and affectionately known by many as "The General" for his quiet strength and dignified presence on and off the track. The club expressed its deep sorrow, confirming the loss of 'one of our Elite athletes, Mathews Leeto, who tragically lost his life in a car accident yesterday.' 'Mathews was a valued part of our club and community, a committed athlete, a supportive teammate, and a kind-hearted individual known affectionately to many as 'The General'. His quiet strength and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone he trained and competed alongside,' said the club. Leeto's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the country, with fellow runners and fans remembering both his athletic excellence and his humility. He leaves behind a young family, with the club urging the public to respect their privacy during this painful time. 'We stand in support of his loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.' On social media, long-time followers and fellow athletes have shared personal memories of Leeto's journey and rise in the running scene. Longtime friend and fellow athlete Tumelo Mabua shared a personal reflection on Facebook, remembering Leeto's breakthrough moment at the Tembisa Mile. 'He ran so fast that day that he led the race for 5km, with years came experience, and he matured,' Mabua wrote. He recalled how Leeto often laughed about being overtaken in that early race, a memory his coach never let him forget. Leeto's growth in the sport was evident in later achievements, including his standout performance at the Motsepe Foundation 10km Race. 'Leeto was establishing himself and taking his own space in the running arena. Sadly, we will not see much further. It's a blow to SA running,' Mabua said, ending his tribute with; 'May his soul rest in peace. Death be not proud!' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Hollywood Athletics Club said Mathews will be deeply missed by his clubmates, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. "He will be remembered not only for his dedication to the sport, but for the way he carried himself with humility, grace, and quiet leadership.' The athletics world now awaits details of the upcoming memorial, with the club confirming; 'Further information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared when available.' As the tributes continue to flow, the name 'Mathews Leeto' will be remembered not only for the races he ran, but for the spirit he embodied, steady, noble, and deeply respected. IOL News
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Elite marathon runner Mathews Leeto dies in car accident
Leeto and his coach, Adam Motlagale, both represented South Africa at international level. Mathews Leeto crosses the finish line in second place at the 2024 SA Marathon Championships in Durban. Picture: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images The South African road running community is in mourning following the sudden death of elite athlete Mathews Leeto. According to Hollywood Athletics Club, 34-year-old Leeto and his coach Adam Motlagale both died in a car accident on Wednesday. 'Mathews was a valued part of our club and community, a committed athlete, supportive teammate, and a kind hearted individual known affectionately to many as 'The General',' the club said in a statement. 'His quiet strength and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone he trained and competed alongside. 'He leaves behind a young family, and our thoughts are with them as they face this heartfelt loss.' Memorable career Leeto, who was based in Potchefstroom, represented South Africa at the World Cross Country Championships in 2023 and 2024. Perhaps the best performance of his career was achieved at the Durban International Marathon last year where he finished second in a 42km personal best of 2:09:47, securing the silver medal in the national championships. He was first across the line at the SA 10km Championships in Johannesburg last year, though he was later disqualified for not wearing a licence number. Motlagale, 64, was also a former elite athlete. He finished eighth at the World Half-Marathon Championships in Brussels in 1993.
