By Doreen Mokgolo
Collen Mahlalela, from Emasibekela village in Enkomazi, Mpumalanga, is aiming to win gold at the Para Athletics World Championships in Japan.
The 28-year-old is one of 15 athletes selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming championships in Kobe from 17 to 25 May.
This will be the 11th edition of the championships, with over 1,000 athletes from 100 nations competing across 171 medal events.
Mahlalela will be competing in the men’s 400-metre race.
He lost part of his left arm at the age of four when a room he was sleeping in caught fire after a paraffin lantern fell.
In an interview with Scrolla.Africa, Mahlalela said qualifying for the championships is the first step to qualifying for the Paris Paralympics.
“I have been working hard since I started competing in 2021, after my soccer coach encouraged me to pursue running,” he said. “Winning a gold medal will be a motivation to young people living with disabilities, especially from remote villages, that their disabilities can turn into abilities.
“Many people living with disabilities in remote villages don’t have access to facilities, information to enable them to enrol and professional coaches in school to support their talent, so they never reach their full potential.”
Barry Hendricks, president of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, said the Paralympics have consistently brought honour to the nation.
“I have every confidence that they will continue to shine at the Para Athletics World Championships.
“These events serve as a crucial milestone on our journey towards the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, providing invaluable insight into our athletes’ global standing and readiness to compete on the grand stage,” he said.
Pictured above: Collen Mahlalela.
Image source: Supplied
