What makes this humble winner tick? Watch to find out
Mhlongo sets the gold standard
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 golden-medalist from Kwazulu Natal.
The world record holder was hoping to beat his personal best but is more than happy with the win,in front of a packed 80,000 Stade de France stadium.
"We got the gold and hopefully now the floodgates will open.”
Mhlongo beat Cuba's Luis Yamel Vives Suares by 0.08 seconds for the gold, and American Eddy Bernard took the bronze medal in 11.58 seconds.
2024 is Mhlongo's third Paralympics and this year he was South Africa's flag bearer, together with swimmer Katherine Swanepoel.
Mpumi's moments of glory
Watch Mpumi in action
DSTV CHANNEL 217
WED 4 SEPT | 20:35
T64 LONG JUMP FINALS
SAT 7 SEPT
T64 200m ROUND 1 | 12:02
T64 200m FINALS | 19:50
World records
His proudest sporting achievement
The 2020 Ministerial Commendation Award for Outstanding Achievements in the provincial sporting community
What does being Out of the Ordinary mean to you?
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 on that podium was emotional. It's been a priviledge 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."