By Razeen Gutta
- After a four-year ban, Manyonga is back in action and will compete at the ASA Grand Prix in Pretoria.
- He says he is not focused on international competitions but wants to enjoy the sport and entertain fans.
Luvo Manyonga, the former world long jump champion, is back in action after almost five years.
The 34-year-old, who was banned for four years in 2020, returned to competition last week, jumping 7.31 metres at the opening of a new track at Stellenbosch High School. He is now preparing to compete at the ASA Grand Prix in Pretoria this week.
“I don’t want to put too many things in front of me because I’m still recovering from a long time not jumping or training,” said Manyonga ahead of Wednesday’s event in Pretoria.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time, and just doing it for the love of the sport, and time will tell. We’re working on a plan of just being fit and healthy.”
Manyonga, South Africa’s long jump record holder, dismissed speculation about a return to international competition, saying he does not want to put too much pressure on himself. Instead, his main goal is to bring joy to fans.
“Age is also not on my side… so I won’t be doing a lot of competitions.”
“It feels so amazing to be back and to be healthy, and to be smiling and jumping again. It’s the greatest feeling,” he said.
“In those seconds when I’m in the air, I feel so free. I enjoy jumping and I enjoy putting a smile on people’s faces by entertaining them. That’s the best thing for me.”
Pictured above: Luvo Manyonga
Image source: @thevillageguy1
