Dylan Bettencourt
Ntando Mahlangu and Anrune Weyers won gold medals in an inspired day of Paralympic action on Saturday.
In winning South Africa’s first medals of the Paralympic Games, Ntando went one step further. His last jump in the men’s T63 long jump broke the world record with a distance of 7.17m and took him from the bronze-medal position to the top step of the podium.
“This is not just my medal. A lot of hard work has gone into it,” said the 19-year-old athlete.
Ntando’s coach couldn’t make it to Tokyo.
“My coach has been coaching me from home and I’m pretty sure he’s super excited,” he said.
“He said I must give my last jump everything I have in me.” Mahlangu said.
Anrune Weyers won the 400m T45 with a time of 56.05, overcoming serious problems in the run-up to the Olympics. She contracted Covid-19 which made her fear she would miss the Games altogether.
“Just a few months ago I had Covid-19 and it was difficult for me to think that I was going to be at the Games. To be running and breathing is a gift for me. I was overwhelmed by my emotions. Glory be to God,” Weyers said.
She said she hoped the Games would unite South Africans and that their success would bring hope to the country.
“Regardless of race or background, we are all human beings and we need to celebrate that,” she said
“I hope this inspires SA to see that we are one. I celebrate Ntando like he’s my brother and we celebrate each other. We worked hard to be here.”
Image source: @TeamSA2020
