Charlie Mlotshwa has broken onto the scene both in British Columbia and in the national rankings and he doesn't show any signs of slowing down, in fact he just keeps getting faster. After a successful 2023 track and field season, we can't wait to see what he does next, this time through the cross country trails of BC.
I caught up with Mlotshwa about his start in running, his time with the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club and his goals for the future.
Personal Bests
1500m - 3:55.57
3000m - 8:32.65
Career Accolades
2023 BC High School 3000m Junior Champion and Record Holder
2022 BC High School XC Junior Champion
2022 BC Club XC U16 Champion
2022 ACXC U18 10th Place
Mlotshwa has been running ever since he could remember. In elementary school his parents told him about cross country, he gave it a go and the rest is history. As he continued to run, he continued to get better.
"A few years ago I moved to Victoria from South Africa and started running with Bruce and the Prairie Inn Harriers in 2022. From there I started running quick times."
Established in 1978, the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club, based in Victoria, BC, is Vancouver Island's largest running club. Within the club Mlotshwa is coached by Olympian Bruce Deacon. Deacon competed in the marathon in both the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, his highest placing at a World Championships was 11th, not to mention he claimed silver at the 2003 Pan American Games.
"I enjoy working with Bruce because he knows what he is doing. He does everything to help us both inside and outside of training and learning from him has been pivotal for me. In general I just love my training group. I am always excited to go to practice, there is so much encouragement."
In 2022, his first ever track season, Mlotshwa competed at the BC Summer Games and later on that year, during cross country season he became the BC High School Junior XC Champion.
"That was my first time winning a BC Championship, everything about that meet was a great memory. It was a great feeling knowing I won against such a strong field, knowing my hard work paid off."