The gold medal at the recent World Athletics Relay Championships is not just another medal; it’s life-changing, says former Matie Gardeo Isaacs.
The 26-year-old Isaacs was part of the men’s team that won the 4x400m relay. It was South Africa’s and Isaacs’ second World Athletics relay medal. The South Africans won silver in 2024 when the event took place in the Bahamas.
“It was obviously important for us as a team to finish among the top 8 teams first. This secured our place at the World Athletics Championships later this year in Tokyo, Japan. That was goal number one,” says Gardeo from Italy, where he is currently preparing for his next event.
“It was also important for us to show that the silver medal in the Bahamas was not just a coincidence. We wanted to win that gold medal for South Africa to show our progress.”
The goal of standing on the top step of the winners’ podium meant that Gardeo prepared to be in his best shape and condition possible.
“It was very important for me to be in a position where I could give my all for the team and contribute to our success. As a member of a team, you don’t want to be the one who didn’t prepare thoroughly.”
Gardeo was part of the Maties Sport family for six years. In 2022, he obtained his degree in BCom Management Accounting from Stellenbosch University.
Gardeo’s best year at Maties – athletically speaking – was 2019. He was the South African 400m champion that year. He won a bronze medal at the World University Games. He also brought back a silver medal as part of the relay team. It was also the year when he was one of the three finalists for Sportsman of the Year.
The gold medal in China has a very different meaning for Gardeo than any other medal.
“This is a very big step forward in my career. It is not just another medal for my CV. Apart from the fact that it is an incredible privilege to be able to win the medal for my country, and as part of a team, it is also representative of a moment in my life that I will never forget.”
The gold medal also gave an extra boost to his career as an international athlete. “I can now get invitations to some of the bigger events in Europe and thus get the chance to run a qualifying time for the World Championships.”
Gardeo’s career has seen several challenges and setbacks. However, he used these times to learn lessons that he can use to his advantage later.
“I learned how to be patient. During this time, I also relied a lot more on my coach, which strengthened our relationship of trust. It also showed me how valuable the process is and that I should believe in it.”
Gardeo does not take anything for granted. During his time at Maties, he had to learn how to maintain balance, work harder than anyone else and realise that nothing is just going to happen. It is his responsibility to open doors.
