Kyle Blignaut aims to secure an Olympic medal as a tribute to his coach's legacy

Blignaut, who guided Kyle’s athletics journey from the tender age of nine, sadly lost his battle with cancer in December.

Kyle, now forging ahead has relocated to Italy joining forces with a new mentor and fellow athletes in Europe. He faced the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Continental Tour Grand Prix Challenge in Potchefstroom, marking his first time without his guiding coach.

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"I miss him a lot, that's normal and I think he's in a better place now but I miss him a lot. I loved him like a father, he was like a grandfather to me but I think everything I do now, I'll do for him because I miss him. I want to make it proud, he's in heaven now,” Blignaut said.

“So, I'd like to win an Olympic medal this year and dedicate that towards him. That's why I'm working hard, that's why I'm staying that side making the sacrifices. I think I'm doing it all for him, making him proud and keep his legacy going."

Despite the absence, Kyle soared to victory, dominating his event with an impressive throw of 20.1 meters.

Tears welled in his eyes as he struggled to navigate through a deeply emotional first encounter in his hometown without the presence of his coach since returning from Italy.

"This is my season opener for the outdoors. I did two indoor competitions in Europe because I'm currently based there but I'm looking forward to picking up this season. I mean this was the first competition and it was shaky. I landed from Europe only a few days ago and the rhythm was not there at all,” Blignaut added.

“I expected to do more today [Thursday] but I'm just happy to get over 20, feeling like how I felt in the circle. I think I need to get a few training sessions in before the next grand prix and I should get that rhythm back and then throw a bit better."