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| Mpumelelo Mhlongo rising athlete from Klaarwater |
Klaarwater-born Paralympian, Mpumelelo Mhlongo is on his way
to the Paralympics in RIO. Sandile Lukhozi spoke to the former Kearsney College
student about his life and his chances at the RIO Paralympics.
1. SL: You were born in Klaarwater. Where did it all begin for
you in athletics?
MM: To be honest there is no definite answer to that.
Growing up in Klaarwater definitely showed me my love for all sorts of sports
and having competitive friends to share it with was what paved the way into
athletics. I just feel sorry for my gran's washing line which was always used
for high jump.
2. SL: This would be your first participation in the
tournament. How do you feel?
MM: After being in the UK this past week I can truly say if
Rio is anything like that I am extremely excited. There is no shaking the nerves
I have but we are working on channelling them into improving my
performance.
3. SL: You are currently studying BSc Chemical
Engineering in UCT. How do you cope with the task of being in books and being
on the field?
MM: I get this question a lot ha ha. My answer will not ever
change, I have an incredible support structure with the friends I have made and
the family I have. I went into I degree I would enjoy which makes life a whole
lot easier as well.
4. SL: What is the target that you have set yourself in
RIO Paralympics?
MM: I think everyone goes aiming for gold. I do not think
that is any different with me but first and foremost would be improving on
myself. Applying what I have been doing in training and if that doesn't give me
a medal then those who do would have truly deserved it more.
5. SL: You won UCT's sportsperson of the year in 2015.
Explain the feeling of winning such a prestigious award
MM: Still surreal. It will always be one of the most
unexpected but memorable moments in my life.
6. SL: How do you manage to perform such so well while one
of your leg doesn't function properly?
MM: That I have to give to my body's ability to compensate
incredibly well. It obviously comes with a lot strain and pain but more than
worth it. With performance I think at the end of the day it's whether or not
you choose to face the challenges put in front of you and if you knew the lady
that raised me it would become more evident where I get some of this strength
from.
7. SL: You achieved 7 distinctions at matric. What was your
secret to this success?
MM: Sadly I had no secret, I was lucky enough to attend
Kearsney College which had all the teachers and facilities one can ask for. I
made sure the opportunity was not wasted. But I feel as though school did not
test intelligence just whether or not you can handle pressure so I would not
pin it down as success.
8: SL: What advice and motivation would you give to a
disable township girl or boy that wish to follow in your footsteps?
MM: I doubt I can say much that they have not heard before
but what I have always been told that has motivated me is, learn to love
yourself. Most important thing you can do for your self-esteem and general way
of life. Lastly, learn to fail and learn from failure, those are the building
blocks of success for those who may not be starting off on equal grounds.
9. SL: What encouragement words have you received as we
approach the RIO Olympics?
MM: Go out there and enjoy what may be your first and last
Paralympics. Never forget the journey you have led nor the people up to this
point because they will always be your pillars of strength.
10. SL: Which person would you say has really motivated you
to be where you are right now?
MM: There has been many and wish I could name them all but
by far it would be my mother. What she has done and continues doing for me is
nothing short of miraculous. I must also say that Jason Sewanyana has dedicated
a lot of his time and energy in making sure the path to Rio was an option this
year. He may have only been in my life a short period of time but has made a
lasting impact.
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