Team South Africa has made the nation proud with an outstanding performance at the recent Paralympic Games in Paris, clinching a total of six medals. This remarkable achievement highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of South African athletes on the global stage.
Medal Winners:
Mpumelelo Mhlongo – Gold, Bronze
- Mhlongo delivered a stellar performance, winning gold in the Men’s 100m T44 and bronze in the Men’s 200m T64.
- He also set new world records in the Men’s Long Jump T44 and Men’s 200m T44.
Simone Kruger – Gold
- Kruger, the F38 discus world champion and record holder, achieved her long-awaited Paralympic gold with a throw of 38.7m.
- After finishing fifth at the 2020 Tokyo Games, she added the gold medal and Paralympic record to her impressive resume.
Louzanne Coetzee – Bronze
- Coetzee earned bronze in the women’s 1500m T11 event, finishing with a personal best time of 4:35.49, alongside her guide Estean Badenhorst.
- This marks her third Paralympic medal; she previously won silver in the same event and bronze in the Marathon T12 at Tokyo 2020.
Nicolas Pieter du Preez – Bronze
- The Para-cyclist secured bronze in the Men’s H1 Individual Time Trial with a time of 36:07.05.
- This is his second Paralympic medal, following his gold in the Road Time Trial H1 at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole – Bronze
- Ramphadi and Sithole made history by winning Africa’s first-ever medal in wheelchair tennis.
- Ramphadi became the first South African since 1981 to win a Roland Garros title in 2023.
- Sithole, the 2013 US Open wheelchair tennis quad champion, also won the 2016 Australian Open Grand Slam in doubles.
South Africa’s impressive performance at the Paralympics is a testament to the strength and perseverance of its athletes. Each medal reflects countless hours of hard work and dedication from the athletes, their coaches, families, and support teams.
As the nation celebrates these victories, it stands as a moment of pride and inspiration. The performances have showcased South Africa’s commitment to excellence in sports, uniting the country in shared pride and joy.
Congratulations to all our athletes who competed and brought home medals. Your success is a source of national pride and an inspiration to many.
