Victoria runner Charli Mlotshwa: A name to watch in Canadian athletics
VICTORIA, British Columbia — Charli Mlotshwa, a standout athlete in Victoria, BC, has rapidly become a name to watch in Canadian athletics. Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Charli moved to Canada at age 14.
We spoke to Charli as he was getting ready to attend the Winter Formal for Grade 12 students at Oak Bay High School. He recalls wistfully arriving in Canada on Christmas Eve of 2021 and having to adjust from the warm climate of his home country to the cold winters of Victoria. It was a challenge, but Charli’s resilience and drive helped him thrive. He started running with his coach Bruce Deacon and the Prairie Inn Harriers in 2022, and his first race in Victoria was the popular TC10K. Since then, Charli has gone from strength to strength.
As a Grade 12 student, Charli has distinguished himself in cross country and track. In 2023, he achieved an impressive personal best of 8:32.55 in the 3000m at the U20 Bell Canadian Track and Field Championships, earning a top-five finish and breaking provincial records along the way. He also clocked 3:55.57 in the 1500m, setting a national leading mark for the U18 division. These milestones reflect his dedication and high ambitions, including his goal to represent Canada in international competitions, such as the U20 World Championships.
Charli credits much of his growth to his coach, Bruce Deacon who was a marathon competitor for Canada at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, as well as a silver medallist at the 2003 Pan American Games. Known for emphasizing patience and consistency, Deacon has shaped Charli鈥檚 approach to training and competition. 鈥淐oach Deacon has taught me to trust the process,鈥� Charli says. This mentorship has been instrumental as Charli balances the mental and physical demands of his sport. He particularly enjoys the therapeutic aspects of running, describing it as his 鈥渉appy place鈥� during challenging times.
Despite his achievements, Charli acknowledges the pressures that come with racing. Overcoming pre-race nerves is a constant battle, but he employs strategies like positive thinking, reflecting on his hard work, and rituals such as drinking a special herbal tea and listening to energizing music before races. Learning from setbacks has also been key to his success. For instance, after a fall in a race that led to a poor finish, Charli focused on refining his technique and mental resilience, ensuring that mistakes became stepping stones for growth.
Beyond athletics, Charli enjoys climbing and hiking, which complement his love for the outdoors and mental focus. Looking ahead to his post-secondary education plans, the seventeen-year-old athlete has secured a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where he plans to study kinesiology and continue his running career on the distance team starting in the fall of 2025.
Charli鈥檚 story is one of perseverance and passion. His ability to embrace challenges, coupled with strong support from his family, coach, and community, makes him a role model for young athletes. As he prepares for his next chapter, Charli remains focused on his goal: to keep improving, run fast times, and most importantly, enjoy every step of the journey. With his determination and talent, the future looks bright for this promising athlete!
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