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04 Apr 2022

The most powerful possibilities are human

Investec is proud to support our very own Mpumelelo Mhlongo on the road to the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Investec South Africa proudly welcomes 28-year-old Mpumelelo Mhlongo to its sponsorship stable. Already employed within the Investec Group Sustainability team, the Paralympian is on track to represent South Africa at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the long jump, 100 metres and 200 metres.

Peta Dixon, Investec South Africa’s head of sponsorships, says that the three-year commitment is all about enabling the talented and hugely hearted Mpumi to reach his maximum potential, “It is an honour to sponsor such a passionate, patriotic, talented and determined athlete: He embodies the Investec culture through and through, and is wholeheartedly committed to achieving his maximum, while improving the lives of those in similar situations to his own. It is our aim to assist him wherever needed because he certainly is one Out of the Ordinary individual!”

While in utero, Mpumelelo was diagnosed with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a syndrome that limits blood flow to certain limb parts, restricting their growth, so says the multiple world record holder,

“In my case, there were amniotic bands that constricted my fingers, as well as my mid to lower right shin. These bands cut off all my toes on my right foot and also started cutting into my right leg. I think I was three months old when I had my first surgery and spent a large part of my first six years in and out of hospitals.”

Having matriculated from Kearsney College with seven distinctions, the multiple world record holder joked that he thought Investec was playing a trick on him when approached for the sponsorship. “I am still in disbelief and feel like I’m riding the crest of a wave. The culture, the people and the importance that Investec places on the value of their people and their lives is what drew me to work for the organisation some time back. When the sponsorships team approached me and offered their support on the road ahead, it provided further testament to the fact that Investec truly is 100% behind their staff in every single way, and always looking for opportunities to support them. 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, shall strive to make the organisation proud and look forward to a powerful relationship on field and off it.”

The world games gold medalist and double world championship medalist, who trains up to six hours daily, is extremely involved in many non-profit organisations including The Chaeli Campaign, Steps Clubfoot South Africa and Jumping Kids.

 

World records held by Mpumelelo Mhlongo – T44:

Long jump

Distance: 7.07m

Venue: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Date: 13 November 2019

100 metres

Time: 11.00s

Venue: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Date: 11 November 2019

200 metres

Time: 22.81s

Venue: Tokyo, Japan

Date: 03 September 2021

2022 Fixtures

6-AprNWU, PotchefstroomASA Athletics Grand Prix 3
13-AprGermiston, JohannesburgASA Athletics Grand Prix 4
21 - 23 AprGreen Point, Cape TownASA Senior Track & Field National Championships
05 - 07 MayUWC, Cape TownUSSA Track & Field
20 - 22 MayTempe, ArizonaDesert Challenge Games
28-MayBarcelona, SpainInternational Para Athletics Meeting (L'Hospitalet)
18-JunNivelles, BelgiumMeeting Europeen de Nivelles
27 - 29 JunTunis, Tunisia18th Tunis International Meeting - Grand Prix
1-JulLeverkusen, GermanyHeimspiel 2022
02 - 08 AugBirmingham, UKCommonwealth Games