Homegrown. World class.
Investec-sponsored athlete and Mzansi inspiration, Mpumelelo Mhlongo, fulfilled his lifelong dream at the 2024 Paralympics. He leaves Paris with a gold and bronze medal and two hard-fought world records.
What makes this humble winner tick? Watch to find out
Mhlongo sets the gold standard
The world record holder won the men’s 100m T44, in 11.12 seconds, securing South Africa's first medal. He followed that up with a new world record in the T44 long jump, leaping an impressive 7.12m.
Then in his last Paralympic event, Mhlongo, categorised as a T44 athlete, competed in the tougher T64 class 200m, and he clocked a 22.62 seconds world record as he crossed the line fourth.
Second-placed German Felix Streng was disqualified for a lane infringement, which promoted Mhlongo to the podium, and secured him a second medal.
Sherman Guity of Costa Rica won in 21.32 seconds, with Levi Vloet of the Netherlands second in 22.47.
Mhlongo's bronze took South Africa's medal tally to six.
His proud mother, Lungi Charity Mthembu, who knew he was destined for extraordinary success despite the odds stacked against him, was in the stands watching her son for the very first time. She was joined by Mhlongo's wife and mother-in-law.
"Having my family here is everything I could've asked for," said the jubilant double-medalist and world record holder from Kwazulu Natal.
Mpumelelo's dynamic energy, charmed spectators and competitors alike, with loud cheers and applause accompanying all three of his events.
Mpumi's moments of glory
The 2020 Ministerial Commendation Award for Outstanding Achievements in the provincial sporting community
Being grounded in the value you have to offer and actively seeking to change the course of humanity, starting with your immediate community.
Back-to-back Sportsman of the Year
Mhlongo has been named "Sportsman of the year with a disability" in the SA Sport Awards for the second consecutive year. Mhlongo was nominated alongside Pieter Du Preez and Jean-Paul Veaudry.
The Paralympic gold medalist says he's in disbelief to win this award again, especially since South Africa is full of high performing athletes.
"To be nominated at the SA Sports Awards again, honestly it feels unreal. It feels like one of those realities that are far too big for the dreams that you have growing up. Yes, you've built to be the best athlete possible, but even a better person that leaves a lasting legacy in the sport, is special," said an elated Mhlongo.
Follow Mpumi on social mediaInvestec is a brand that believes in enjoying your journey and empowering where possible: It is not about medals and records alone. I am grateful for the ongoing support and will strive to make the organisation proud.
Know You’re Limitless
We admire drive. That flame inside of some people that never settles and insists on tackling Out of the Ordinary challenges. Mpumelelo Mhlongo doesn’t meet standards, he sets them. With his natural talent and uncompromising mindset, for him, the sky is the limit. As a champion of high performance, we are excited to support him on his path to success.
"Most importantly he is an Investec employee, and a shining example of our culture. We are so proud of what Mupmi has achieved winning gold for his country. We've watched him overcome injury and remain steadfast in his dream. So seeing him win, not one but two medals makes us so proud. It's been a privilege supporting him on his journey to Paris". - Peta Dixon, Investec head of sponsorships.
Dixon, goes on to say that Mpumi is talented in so many areas that he's a role model on and off the track. "Mpumi is the true embodiment of hope, power, and breaking down barriers. Not only is he an accomplished athlete, but he's also a businessman, and an academic, with a passion to change the world."