The Comrades Marathon is a highly esteemed and challenging race, spanning 89km and drawing numerous participants from across the globe annually. However, in 1999, a pair of twins from South Africa deceived spectators by switching places in a portable toilet along the route, ultimately finishing in ninth place.
Sergio Motsoeneng and his twin brother Fika were desperate for money and wanted to make their mother proud. They hatched a plan to take turns running the race, wearing identical clothes and bib numbers. They thought they had pulled it off, until a newspaper published photos of them wearing watches on opposite wrists. The photos went viral and exposed their cheating scheme.
“We were desperate. We had no money. We wanted to make our mother proud.” Sergio Motsoeneng said in an interview.
They admitted their guilt and said they were sorry for their actions. They were banned from the race for 10 years and had to return the R10,000 (about $500) prize money they had won.
“I regret what I did. It was wrong. It was a mistake. I apologise to everyone who was hurt by it.” Fika Motsoeneng said.
Their cheating scandal shocked the running community and tarnished the reputation of the Comrades Marathon. Many people were outraged and disappointed by their dishonesty.
“He is a very talented runner. He could have been one of the best in the world. But he made a bad decision that cost him his career.” Bruce Fordyce, nine-time Comrades Marathon winner, said about Sergio Motsoeneng.
Sergio Motsoeneng tried to redeem himself in 2010, when he returned to the race after his ban was lifted. He finished third, but was disqualified again for testing positive for a banned substance. He claimed he was innocent and blamed his drink for being spiked.
Fika Motsoeneng never ran again after the cheating scandal. He faced many challenges in his life, such as poverty, divorce, alcoholism, and depression.
The Motsoeneng twins are still haunted by their cheating scandal and have not been able to escape the public scrutiny and criticism. They have become a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks of cheating in sports.
Relevant articles:
– South African athlete, Sergio Motsoeneng, admits to cheating in Comrades Marathon, South African History Online, 21 July 1999
– How Motsoeneng twins cheated Comrades Marathon, The South African, 13 June 2023
– Life goes on for Motsoeneng twins since 1999 Comrades Marathon cheating scandal, City Press, 21 July 2023