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From PhD to Paris: Mhlongo juggles medals, marriage & more in pursuit of Paralympic gold

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Mpumelelo Mhlongo is a busy man. When he’s not working his day job as a structured finance consultant at Investec, he’s busy with his PhD in chemical engineering, or spending time with his new wife. Incredibly, in the hours in between, the 30-year-old is training to compete at his third Paralympic Games. By Karien Jonckheere

Come this weekend, however, Mhlongo will be heading to Sun City in the North West for the SA Sports Awards where he’s once again been nominated in the category of Sportsman of the Year with a Disability. He’s up against wheelchair tennis player Donald Ramphadi and golfer David Watts.

“We are extremely proud of our nomination for the SA Sports Awards. Being a nominee at the country’s biggest event that celebrates sporting excellence is always a welcomed treasure,” said Mhlongo of the accolade.

“We have been nominated before but never won it. South Africa is the land of sporting excellence so being nominated has been beyond our wildest imagination.”

Mhlongo, who was born with amniotic band syndrome which affected both his hands and feet, is the current world record holder in the T44 category in the 100m, 200m and the long jump and in 2023 he claimed 100m gold at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris.

“Winning a World Championship gold medal in the year I got married is definitely a lovely number three highlight in my life for that year, even though it was my greatest sporting achievement to date,” he admitted.

“We were blessed to have many things work in our favour and will cherish that day with all those who worked tirelessly to get me to the World Championships that year.”

Now the plan is to return to Paris to claim more gold, with the Paralympics taking place from 28 August to 8 September.

“The training and preparations for Paris have been filled with beautiful moments to reflect and a big reminder of how we often overlook our health, in pursuit of other goals or dreams,” he explained.

“We have had a few injuries and niggles that have set us back in our plan but probably had the most fun out of any other Paralympic preparation which has been the most unexpected and blessed outcome of the whole process.

“Our target is a Paralympic gold medal but we hope to do it in a way that unlocks the potential we never saw coming.”

But first there’s a trip to take to Sun City where the awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, 5 May.

Mhlongo is loathe to describe himself as a representative or role model for athletes with a disability, however.

“To be honest, I do not believe I represent sports people with a disability nor would I consider myself a role model,” he explained. “My approach has always been, us striving to be better versions of ourselves such that we can be a valuable addition in our community. How that is perceived, is a manifestation of how others then reflect their bias on us.”

 

Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t hold Jono le Roux back!

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As the starting gun fires at 9 am on Friday, April 26th, at the Sani Pass Pub in Lesotho, Jono le Roux, a formidable trail runner and a person living with diabetes, will embark on the challenge of the Ultra-Trail Drakensberg 100 Miler. This isn’t Jono’s first time at the event; last year he finished in 5th place overall in just over 33hrs. However, this year’s race poses new obstacles with significant changes to the route, promising a fresh test of endurance and determination.

Jono’s journey into trail running began in 2015, but it was his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes in 2017 that ignited a deeper commitment to health and fitness. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Jono has not only embraced ultra-running but has excelled in it. Reflecting on his journey, Jono shares, “Running has provided me with not just a healthier and stronger body but mentally it has also given me so many life lessons. It’s more than just a sport for me, it’s my way of life.”

Managing type 1 diabetes while undertaking endurance sports like ultra-running requires meticulous attention to glucose levels, pacing, and nutrition. Previously, Jono would have had to frequently stop during the race, and check his glucose levels by using the fingerstick method, costing him both time and additional energies, now with advancements in technology this process has been made much easier with the FreeStyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system, a device which enables him to monitor his glucose levels in real-time, empowering him to make informed decisions throughout his races.

“My goal for this year’s race is to embrace it fully and soak up all the good vibes,” says Jono. “I’ve grown as a runner since last year, both in experience and maturity. While I aim to complete the race in 27 hours, my ultimate aspiration is to maintain a sustainable running journey, inspiring others along the way.”

Jono’s story is not just about personal triumph; it’s a testament to the advancements in diabetes care and technology. “With great improvements in diabetes care, from insulin upgrades to management systems and incredible tech like continuous glucose monitors, people living with type 1 diabetes can live more freely and, dare I say, ‘normally,'” he expresses gratefully.

As Jono laces up his shoes and prepares to tackle the challenging terrain of the Ultra-Trail Drakensberg, he embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of overcoming adversity. His journey is an inspiration to all, showcasing that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible.

SA champs wraps up with four new automatic qualifiers for Paris Olympics

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The SA Athletics Championships came to an end in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday with four athletes having added their names to the list of automatic qualifiers for the Olympic Games later this year. They were Zeney Geldenhuys and Rogail Joseph in the 400m hurdles, Benjamin Richardson in the 200m and Lythe Pillay in the 400m, while Zakithi Nene achieved his second qualifying time over 400m at these championships.

The final day’s action saw Marione Fourie claiming a fourth straight national title in the 100m hurdles, winning in a time of 13.01 seconds with Kayla van der Bergh second in 13.40 and former SA record holder Taylon Bieldt third in 13.46.

Fourie admitted afterwards: “Before the race, my brain didn’t want to get the steps in before the first hurdle so I was a little bit stressed but the time wasn’t too bad for my second race [of the season].”

Eight-time champion in the 110m hurdles Antonio Alkana withdrew from the final after overstretching his calf muscle in the warm-up. In his absence, SW Nel claimed his first ever title in 13.73 seconds, so emulating his father and coach, Wimpie, who won the SA title twice, in 1992 and 1993.

“It feels amazing. I didn’t expect it at all. All the hard work is paying off so I’m glad. I have a good coach who I trust so I’m very happy at the moment,” said Nel junior afterwards.

As for being coached by his dad, he joked: “It’s a bit of a pain in the butt because he says: ‘My time was faster,’ or ‘I did it twice.’ So I have to win it two times more and beat his time so I’m almost on his level.”

Speaking about Alkana withdrawing from the final, Nel added: “I was a bit disappointed. If he had run, I think I would have run a better time but I’m happy with the position.”

Also thrilled was his proud dad: “Words can’t describe it. It’s a very humbling feeling,” he beamed.

Meanwhile, after her second place in the 5000m earlier in the competition, Prudence Sekgodiso comfortably defended her 1500m title, pulling away from the pack just before the bell, and cruising to victory in a time of 4:13.09. Charne Swart was second in 4:16.89 and Carina Viljoen third in 4:19.29.

“The race was something else. I have a calf problem, I felt it in the 5k and I wanted to come out in the 5k but I thought – let me just finish it – but the 1500 is my event so I had to show who I am and chase for that gold medal and that’s what I did. It was nice,” she said.

“I regret running that 5k to be honest. Honestly, that was my last,” added Sekgodiso who has set her sights on breaking the SA 1500m record.

Jerry Motsau had a tougher fight on his hands to claim the men’s 1500m title 10 years after winning his first. He fended off his challengers in the final 200m finishing in 3:38.82 with Nkosinathi Sibiya second in 3:39.02 and Niel van der Merwe third in 3:39.78.

“It was a bit of a challenge but if you’re strong in your head, you pull through. I told myself I mustn’t give up, I should run through the tape, so that’s what I did,” he said.

In the field events, Kyle Blignaut defended his shot put title with a best throw of 20.36m, while Mire Reinstorf took women’s pole vault gold with a clearance of 4.15m.

 

Young gun Benjamin outshines Wayde van Niekerk on sizzling day at SA champs

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Benjamin Richardson produced the largest upset of the SA Athletics Championships so far by outgunning Wayde van Niekerk to win the 200m title in a steamy Pietermaritzburg on Saturday. By Karien Jonckheere, Picture Cecilia van Bers

Van Niekerk chose to focus his efforts on the 200m event in Maritzburg rather than the 400m, in which he won Olympic gold in 2016 in world record time. But Richardson produced a speedy 20.16-second performance to outshine the veteran and take the title while also securing an Olympic qualifying mark. Van Niekerk settled for silver in 20.31.

“I could have [gone faster] but I’m more happy about the moment and the fact that I did my qualifier,” said a thrilled Richardson. “I was happy in the moment with what I did because it took so much effort and I’m just happy right now.”

As for beating Van Niekerk, the 20-year-old said he remembered the exact date he raced against him for the first time back in 2021.

“It shows that through time, things can change and three years later, I’m now first and so now I’m happy and I’m grateful for everything that’s happened – the trials and tribulations.”

Meanwhile, Lythe Pillay surprised even himself on his way to the 400m title in a new personal best time of 44.31 seconds, with Zakithi Nene also achieving his second Olympic qualifying time in the event, taking silver in 44.80.

“We’re still on cloud nine, or rather on cloud 44 right now, but I’m grateful and blessed,” said an amazed Pillay afterwards.

“Being in a very competitive lineup like that, even with Wayde [van Niekerk] not being present, I knew it was going to be a tough race. I was just here to execute and do what I had to do today.

“The plan was just to go, so from the gun have a good reaction, stay controlled, not spilling energy unnecessarily, sticking to my normal tactics, sticking to my normal strength… and everything clicked today,” added the 21-year-old who will be hoping everything also clicks tomorrow when he is writing an accounting exam.

It was a busy day for Shirley Nekhubui who doubled up in the 200 and 400m, successfully securing both titles on the same day.

Nekhubui claimed the 200m victory in 23.28 and followed that up by edging out defending champion Miranda Coetzee for the 400m title as well, winning in a time of 51.77 seconds.

Nekhubui said afterwards she is till hoping to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games in the 400m and will be aiming to do that in Europe in the coming weeks.

Glenrose Xaba completed a double of her own. She overcame the steamy KZN conditions to add the 10,000m title to the 5000m gold she won on Thursday.

In a race that saw several athletes either collapsing or dropping out, Xaba held on to win in a time of 32:56.29 for her seventh national 10,000m title.

Adriaan Wildschutt took the men’s 5000m title in a time of 13:30.38 to make it a double for the family with his brother Nadeel having claimed the 10,000m title on Thursday.

The SA Athletics Championships conclude tomorrow.

Akani takes sixth SA 100m title as women’s 400m hurdles produces two Olympic qualifiers

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The women’s 400m hurdles provided one of the highlights of day two of the SA Athletics Championships in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Zeney Geldenhuys was pushed all the way to the final hurdle by Rogail Joseph, just pulling away in the final metres to take her fourth national title in a time of 54.72 seconds with Joseph second in 54.84. Both times were below the automatic qualification mark for the Olympic Games later this year in Paris.

Claiming the bronze medal was 16-year-old star Tumi Ramokgopa who set a new South African youth record with a time of 57.04.

Geldenhuys said afterwards she was pleased to be pushed by her young rivals.

“You can’t always just go into a race and think I’m going to run and win by 100 metres so it is very exciting to know that there are girls pushing me because without them it’s difficult to run great times,” she said.

“I’m ecstatic [about the time] and I’m truly blessed to know I could run the Olympic qualifying time… but from here it’s much harder work to get the times done because if I want to run a final [at the Olympics] it need to be a 53.”

Joseph reckoned: “It was a really tough race and I’m really proud of myself because it’s the first time I was so close to the winner at SA Seniors, so I can see I’m on the right road and I’m so excited to see what more is in store for me.”

Meanwhile, Lindukuhle Gora was thrilled to get his hands on a first senior national title, winning the men’s 400m hurdles in 49.45 seconds.

Also claiming her first senior title was teenage sprinter Viwe Jingqi. The 19-year-old blitzed to the women’s 100m title in a time of 11.23, just one hundredth of a second off her PB.

“Fantastic! I thought it went great. I don’t know how to explain it but as you can see, the smile and how I’m talking… everything went well,” said a thrilled Jingqi afterwards.

While it was a first for Jingqi, it was title number six for Akani Simbine in the men’s 100m. The SA record holder powered to victory in a time of 10.01 seconds, holding off teenagers Bayanda Walaza (10.27) and Bradley Nkoana (10.29) for the gold.

“I’m just also happy to retain my title,” said Simbine, who admitted he was targeting a sub-10 second time but was unsure of the cool, slightly breezy conditions.

“For us it was trying to finish off on a sub-10 but I’m happy with a 10.01 – I can’t complain about that, I can’t complain about finishing the race healthy and now that sets me up for my next race in China next week,” he said.

Earlier in the day, 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk ran the opening race of his campaign of the SA Championships, finishing first in his 200m heat in a time of 20.57 seconds.

“It was comfortable. It felt a little bit rusty in some areas of the race, but I think once you get your legs exposed to that, those things start freeing up and the fact that I ran quite a solid time, feeling the way I did, hopefully the next two will be better,” he said afterwards.

“I think [nerves are] always there. Nerves are something that’s part of the game I guess. My wife told me – if I feel this way, how do the rest fo the guys feel? So I’m trying to use that mentally in my head. But we all have a bit of nerves, a bit of restlessness because we want to do well and be competitive so it’s very much part of the game. It’s really just about managing it and putting your best foot forward.

In other events on Friday, Cheswill Johnson claimed the men’s long jump title with a leap of 8.22m, while Brian Raats cleared 2.25m to take gold in the men’s high jump on countback.

 

Glenrose takes care of unfinished business as SA athletics champs kick off in Maritzburg

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Glenrose Xaba finally has her hands on a national 5000m title. The 29-year-old has claimed gold six times before in the 10,000m but never in the shorter of the distance events on the track. On day one of the SA Athletics Championships in Pietermaritzburg, Xaba ensured that record would finally change as she staved off the challenge of middle distance star Prudence Sekgodiso to win in a time of 15:48.44 with Sekgodiso second in 16:02.04. By Karien Jonckheere

“I’m not the [type of] person that when I’m running I’m looking back,” said Xaba of taking on Sekgodiso. “I was expecting that I would see Prudence passing me, but I was going to challenge her to the finish line because I was looking forward to achieving this gold medal. For so many years I tried to win gold in the 5000 and I did not. I just came second or got bronze so I am very excited to achieve this.”

In the only other track final of the day, national 10,000m record holder Adriaan Wildschutt’s older brother, Nadeel, claimed the gold in a time of 29:15.93. The 27-year-old was locked in battle with Puseletso Mofokeng over the final lap, eventually sprinting down the home straight to take the title with Mofokeng second in 29:19.01.

In the field events, Michelle Ngozo took gold in the high jump with a clearance of 1.76m and Rocco van Rooyen claimed the men’s javelin title (74.58m), while there was gold for Ashley Erasmus in the women’s shot put (17.27m) and Yolandi Stander in the discus (55m).

Earlier in the day, Akani Simbine continued his quest for a sixth national title in the 100m, cruising through his heat in 10.07 seconds and then slowing down slightly as the wind picked up in the early afternoon but still comfortably winning his semifinal in 10.27.

“The plan was to go sub-10 now because it’s hot and it’s the middle of the day, the track has been prepared and everything but the wind didn’t play with us,” said the two-time Olympic finalist after his semi. “As soon as they blew the whistle there was a big gust and it just kept going, it didn’t stop so it was literally changing the game plan at the line,” he added.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Viwe Jingqi is in search of her first senior national title over 100m. She won her semifinal in 11.51 and was pleased with how her body felt, having recovered from appendix surgery and other complications last year.

“Yoh, you can see I’m very small, and that wind – I could feel it. The whole time it was just pushing me behind but honestly, I’m OK,” said Jingqi afterwards. “My body is responding now. Obviously in the morning you have to cruise when it’s heats – you cannot go full-out, and I tried to get the extra gear this time but the wind was just doing whatever. But to be honest, I feel OK. My body is getting there. It’s exactly where I want it to be actually.”

Athletics action continues at Msunduzi Stadium on Friday, with both 100m finals scheduled for the afternoon.

 

New-look Tatjana shakes off injury to shine at SA champs

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Tatjana Smith is in a happy place. The former Tatjana Schoenmaker is newly married, swimming fast again, and on top of the world – literally. That’s after rising to the top of the world 200m breaststroke rankings at the SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha last week.

Image credit Anton Geyser/SA Sports Images

Her time of 2 minutes19.92 seconds in the heats placed her third in the world, and she bettered that in the evening final, swimming 2:19.01 to not only take top spot but achieve her fastest time since that memorable day back in 2021 when she clinched the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.

Speaking on the pool deck at the end of the meet in Gqeberha, the 26-year-old explained that she was still recovering from a grade two groin tear. But even that couldn’t hold her back.

“I’m very grateful that it hasn’t flared up and I’m still feeling strong and my times are looking insane for what the past three weeks have looked like in my life,” she said, adding that she was advised not to compete in the national championships.

Meanwhile, explaining her thinking behind her name change, Smith said: “I have this slogan… ‘Swimming is what I do, it’s not who I am.’ And that’s why I changed my surname because I don’t want my identity to lie in swimming.

“People know me as Tatjana Schoenmaker and I really felt like that’s not who I am, that’s just a surname and I’ve grown into a different person, I’m not the person I was in 2021 and I just want to embrace it.”

After the highs of Tokyo where Smith won her 200m breaststroke gold in a then-world record time and also claimed silver in the 100m breaststroke, her form dropped off slightly, beaten by her teenage rival, Lara van Niekerk, at the next year’s national championships in the 100m breaststroke.

“I obviously reached the highest thing in swimming and after that I really, really did struggle coming out.

“Being beaten the next year at nationals was not the greatest, but those are the things that you come out of and it’s not about the achievement it’s about finding the joy in the sport.”

Smith said even at her lowest, she did not feel completely lost.

“I am very much about my faith, and I think in those times where I felt hopeless there was always light, I never really gave up, and I knew it might take some time, and everyone’s roads aren’t straight, there are always obstacles, and I just had to push through and know that there’s a reason for those obstacles.”

Smith admitted that things in her life look very different now, with husband Joel (Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s brother-in -law) by her side.

“A lot of things in my personal life have also changed, I met my husband, so I think all those things build up, it’s that comfort of home. With my parents leaving after the Olympics, and emigrating [to the Netherlands], that was also a massive adjustment, so I’ve finally found home. I think it’s just those times when I’m out of the pool where do I find my comfort, and I think that’s what made the difference.

“It doesn’t mean that I’m going to swim amazing times and break records again but for me, it’s just knowing that I’m improving and that it’s going better, I feel happier, and ja, I think that’s all that matters, that you’re actually enjoying the sport. I don’t want to do it and be miserable, so I’m finding that joy in swimming again.”

Win R5000 with Tekkie Town!

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Tekkie Town is introducing a specialised concept to their stores!

Selected stores nationwide are being revamped to include performance sports products including running, football, trail, and court footwear and clothing range in their stores! 

This means that more of your favourite road and trail running brands will be available under the Tekkie Town banner, and not only that, sales staff have been carefully selected and provided with specialist training from the brands themselves ensuring, the staff have an in-depth knowledge of the technical benefits and attributes of the brand and shoe style.

Now for the best news! We are giving two lucky Modern Athlete Readers the chance to win a R5000 Tekkie Town voucher, for you to experience the full offering of what Tekkie Town is bringing offering to the running community!

To enter please full out the form below!

Relay team keep Simbine’s world champs medal hopes alive

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South Africa’s 4x100m relay team ensured Akani Simbine will have another shot at a medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest after being disqualified from his 100m semifinal. The quartet of Shaun Maswanganyi, Benjamin Richardson, Clarence Munyai, and Simbine produced a slick performance to finish second in their heat in 37.72 and book a place in Saturday night’s final.

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Speaking afterwards, Simbine said: “It was good. It feels good to run, it feels good to race, it feels good to be able to be on the track again… I’m happy, happy for the guys, happy for the team, and excited for tomorrow.”

This was Munyai’s first performance at these World Championships, having skipped the individual events. The SA 200m record holder said afterwards: “I was quite excited to be honest because they’ve been running and I also wanted to get out there and come compete. For me it was more excitement than nerves so I’m quite happy.

“We did quite well as a team, we executed and we all ran our legs quite well. We came out here and we wanted to qualify for the final and put a solid time out there… It was good [baton] changes throughout and as a team we trusted each other and I think we did a good job.”

There was disappointment for Prudence Sekgodiso later in the evening in the 800m semifinals. The 21-year-old looked to be in the perfect position to make a move, but around the 450m mark, she clipped the heels of the runner in front of her and fell to the track and out of contention. She nevertheless managed to pick herself up and finish the race.

In the women’s javelin final, Jo-Ané fell short of her own expectation, her best on the night was a third-round throw of 57.43m to finish in 10th place.

“For me, it was just amazing to be in the final. It was great, it was really what I planned to come and do here but I’m a little disappointed with how I performed. I think there’s a lot more that I could have done but on the day I didn’t do what I could. I had a little problem with my rhythm in the first and second throws so it just wasn’t my day today but it was a great competition and always good to get the experience of being on the world stage.”

Earlier in the day, fellow javelin thrower Douw Smit’s best effort was 75.03m in qualification was not enough to see him through to the final.

 

Watch All Our Athlete Interviews!​

Our team on the ground at Budapest have been interviewing all South African athletes after their respective events. To get an inside view into strategy and their thoughts on their performances, click the button below to see for yourself what it takes to compete on a world stage!



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Back to the drawing board for dejected Van Niekerk

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Wayde van Niekerk showed much promise in the build-up to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest but couldn’t replicate that speed he produced in the last few months when he took to the track for the 400m final on Thursday.

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After just scraping into the final, the world record holder finished in last place in a disappointing 45.11 seconds as Jamaica’s Antonio Watson stormed to gold.

“I ran bad, I ran terrible, we all saw that. The run was well off, I mean I’m a 44 [second] athlete from the get-go of the season so I was wrong, I did not execute my race right. Things didn’t go my way and I’m still processing it all but it was definitely bad,” he said afterward.

Meanwhile, all three of South Africa’s 200m semifinalists missed out on places in Friday night’s final. After an unsettling delay because of a bizarre collision of the golf carts transporting the athletes to the track, Sinesipho Dambile finished fourth in his race in 20.28, Shaun Maswanganyi was seventh in his race in 20.65 and Luxolo Adams was sixth in 20.44.

Despite running a personal best time, Dambile was disappointed with his performance. “I expected much better but I couldn’t get it together. I hope the next race I’m better, but I don’t know, I’m a bit disappointed,” he said afterward.

Adams explained that he had felt dizzy after the golf cart incident and had been rattled by the delay in his race which was switched from first to last of the semifinals. “But I have no room for excuses to come here and tell you guys that, no this happened or whatever. Regardless of what happens, I have to go out there and fight.”

In the morning, the ever-green Wayne Snyman finished 21st in the 35km race walk in a time of 2:35:13.

Having returned from retirement, the 38-year-old said he had only 12 weeks of training for the event.

“Unfortunately, I think I lacked a little bit of training. I would have liked four to six weeks more but it was good. I didn’t stop to pour water on myself this time so that’s good. I’m happy with the race.

“I’m going to have to really sit back and decide why I want to do another Olympics. I have it in my legs, I showed it here – 12 weeks of training and [almost] top-20 – I think that’s really good. Ask me again in a little while. Maybe after I retire I’ll come back again.”

Watch All Our Athlete Interviews!

Our team on the ground at Budapest have been interviewing all South African athletes after their respective events. To get an inside view into strategy and their thoughts on their performances, click the button below to see for yourself what it takes to compete on a world stage!



Watch Athlete Interviews


Watch Day Six Highlights!​