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.
Sportsman of the year
Earlier this year Mhlongo was named "Sportman of the year with a disability" in the SA Sport Awards. Mhlongo was nominated alongside top-ranked South African golfer David Watts and Wheelchair Tennis star Donald Ramphadi. In the lead-up to the Paralympics, Mhlongo said his preparations couldn't have been better.
Despite having won Gold in the 100m T44 at the World Para Athletics Championships last year, he says he never thought he would be honoured with such a huge award.
"It feels surreal. I never thought I'd be the person standing on stage, coming to accept Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, with all the talent and exposure we have in South Africa," he said.
Earlier this year the Investec-sponsored Paralympian also won the Athletics South Africa’s Sportsman of the Year (2024) with a disability.
Investec 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."