Mhlongo honored with double nomination at the SA Sports Awards
(Photo by Roger Sedres/TeamSA)
by Lwandiso Simanga
Paralympic gold medalist Mpumelelo Mhlongo says he is “beyond grateful” to once again be nominated at the South African Sports Awards.
Mhlongo, who last year claimed the Sportsman of the Year with a Disability title, is shortlisted in the same category alongside Pieter Du Preez and Jean-Paul Veaudry. He is also a contender for the prestigious Sport Star Award, where he will compete against swimmer Tatjana Smith and sprinter Akani Simbine.
Reflecting on the recognition, Mhlongo described the moment as surreal. “To be nominated at the SA Sports Awards again, honestly it feels unreal. It feels like one of those realities that are far too big for the dreams you have growing up,” he told SABC Sport.
The athlete emphasized that while striving for excellence on the track is crucial, leaving a legacy beyond sport is just as important. “Personally, I never imagined being considered one of the best sports people in a country as competitive as South Africa, one of the greatest sporting nations the world has ever seen.”
Mhlongo’s remarkable 2024 season saw him win Paralympic gold in the men’s 100m T44 and set two new world records in the T44 long jump and T64 200m. Since then, he has taken time to reflect on a decade of dedication culminating in those achievements.
“The break from sports has been incredibly difficult,” he admitted. “You spend every second week reminiscing about the Paralympic Games and the performances that made it all worthwhile.”