By Mike Finch
South African running has lost one of its true legends. Although details are sketchy it seems that Sinqe was killed in a car crash near Balfour last night.
The ever-smiling Sinqe was a good friend who I had the privilege of working with commentating on television during events like the Comrades and the Two Oceans. Besides his athletic pedigree, Sinqe was one of the good guys. An affable, funny character who never took life too seriously and had a commentating style and delivery that was always informative and entertaining.
My first editor’s letter on Runner’s World, back in 2000, was about my admiration for Sinqe. He was built like a race horse with strong quads and lean calves and his running style was poetic – languid, strong and deceptively quick.
To this day, whenever I am out on a run I remember Sinqe’s form and often try and mirror his style.
Had it not been for South Africa’s isolation, I believe Sinqe would have been one of the world’s greatest half marathon and marathoners.
His 2:08:04 in Port Elizabeth during the South African marathon championships back in 1986 is still the fastest marathon ever run in South Africa. The same applies to his amazing 60:11 half marathon the following year in East London when he was pipped on the line by Matthews Temane.
Besides his marathon achievements, he won the Two Oceans twice and finished a brave fourth in his only Comrades in 2000.
I had the privilege of watching him from the vantage of the press truck during his Two Oceans and Comrades runs and that mesmerising style will be forever etched in my memory.
Zet, you will be sadly missed by everyone who had the privilege of meeting you.
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