By Razeen Gutta
Mpumelelo Mhlongo won gold in the men’s T44 100 metre sprint final at the Paris Paralympics on Sunday.
The two-time world champion crossed the finish line in 11.12 seconds, a season best.
Cuba’s Yamel Vives Suarez came second (11.20) while Eddy Bernard from Malaysia claimed third spot (11.58).
It was Mhlongo’s first Paralympics medal in his second appearance at the Games; and the 30-year-old is hoping to build on the momentum when he takes the stage in the T64 200 metre and T64 long jump.
“I didn’t execute the race perfectly and at 60 metres I told myself that I have to wake up. But it’s job done! We got the gold and hopefully now the floodgates will open,” said Mhlongo, who carried Team SA’s flag at the Games.
South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa took to social media to congratulate Mhlongo, calling him an inspiration.
“Congratulations to our prized Paralympian Mpumelelo Mhlongo on winning gold in the men’s 100m T44 race at the Paris Paralympics. Team SA continues to delight and inspire us on the world stage,” the president wrote on X.
Pictured above: Mpumelelo Mhlongo.
Source: @africafactszone
