Makhethe: Rising Star of South African Hammer and Weight Throw
In the world of elite athletics, few athletes demonstrate as much growth and consistency as Makhethe. Specializing in the hammer throw (a track and field event where athletes throw a heavy metal ball attached to a steel wire) and the weight throw (a similar indoor event using a shorter, heavier implement), Makhethe has established herself as a powerhouse on both the national and collegiate stages.
Key Facts
- National Record: Set a South African women's hammer throw record of 68.66m in May 2025.
- Collegiate Affiliation: Competes for the University of Illinois.
- Major Honors: Silver medallist at the 2018 African Youth Games.
- Indoor Success: Set an Illinois school record of 23.70m in the weight throw in 2026.
Early Career and National Breakthroughs
Makhethe first gained international attention in 2018, where she secured a silver medal at the African Youth Games held in Algiers. This early success laid the foundation for her transition into senior-level competition.
By April 2022, while competing in the United States, she set a South African national record with a throw of 65.80m. Although this record was later surpassed by Leandri Geel, Makhethe remained a top contender in the region, placing third in the hammer throw at the South African Athletics Championships in Pietermaritzburg in April 2024.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Collegiate Dominance at the University of Illinois
Representing the University of Illinois, Makhethe has reached new heights in both indoor and outdoor competitions. In early 2025, she demonstrated significant progress, throwing 66.80m in Illinois before achieving a massive breakthrough in May 2025.
At the Big Ten Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Makhethe placed second and reclaimed the South African women's hammer throw record with a throw of 68.66m. This mark was a personal best by two metres and improved the previous national record by 71 centimetres.
Indoor Achievements and the Weight Throw
Makhethe has also excelled in the weight throw. At the 2025 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in Virginia Beach, she finished third with a best throw of 23.08 metres.
Her momentum continued into 2026. In February, at the Big Ten Indoor Championships in Indianapolis, she won the weight throw and set a new Illinois school record of 23.70m. She later finished as the runner-up at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Championships, placing behind Anthonett Nabwe.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Recent Performance Summary
Throughout 2026, Makhethe continued to challenge the top athletes in her field. In May, she once again placed second to Anthonett Nabwe at the Big Ten Championships, recording a strong hammer throw of 68.42m.
| Year | Event | Achievement/Mark | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Hammer Throw | Silver Medal | African Youth Games |
| 2022 | Hammer Throw | 65.80m (National Record at the time) | USA Competition |
| 2025 | Weight Throw | 23.08m (3rd Place) | NCAA Division I Indoor |
| 2025 | Hammer Throw | 68.66m (National Record) | Big Ten Championships |
| 2026 | Weight Throw | 23.70m (School Record/1st Place) | Big Ten Indoor Championships |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Makhethe's personal best in the hammer throw?
Makhethe's personal best is 68.66 metres, achieved in May 2025 at the Big Ten Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Which university does Makhethe compete for?
She competes for the University of Illinois.
What is the difference between the hammer throw and the weight throw?
The hammer throw is typically an outdoor event with a lighter implement and longer wire, while the weight throw is an indoor variation using a heavier implement and a shorter cable.
Has Makhethe ever held a national record?
Yes, she held the South African national record twice: first with a throw of 65.80m in 2022, and again with a throw of 68.66m in 2025.
Who is Makhethe's primary competitor in recent NCAA and Big Ten events?
In recent competitions, such as the 2026 NCAA Indoor Championships and Big Ten Championships, she has frequently finished as runner-up to Anthonett Nabwe.