Mpumelelo Mhlongo calls for financial backing for Para-athletes ahead of LA Summer Games

Mhlongo helped open the medals tally with a gold medal in T44 Men’s 100m sprint and followed with a bronze in the T64 Men’s 200m - contributing to Team SA’s total of six medals at the recent Paris Games.

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Speaking to SABC Sport, at his homecoming celebration at Investec offices on Friday, he stated that Springboks are a classic example of a team that is performing well because of resources and a decent financial backing.

“I think the thing is, when you try to work on a good performance, you just look at a team like the Springboks. They have got all the resources they need, the financial backing and therefore they end up being the best in the world. Now if we want to achieve the same, we need a working methodology to follow, which is to invest in athletes, so that when they put in the hard work they can be rewarded,'' said Mhlongo.

 The 30-year-old who was one of the flag bearers alongside para-swimmer Kat Swanepoel, says he is grateful he got to lead from the front with a golden opener for Team SA and further praised his family for supporting his journey building up to the paralympic games.

''I am very grateful that we had three paralympic games, and on our third one we managed to return with two world records, two medals for South Africa, with the first one being a gold opener. Right now I am just enjoying that achievement and honouring my family for their support throughout the journey,'' added Mhlongo.

Mhlongo also alluded to the fact that Paris 2024 was all about grooming the youngsters for Team SA, and explained why will that be beneficial ahead of the LA Summer Games.

 ''I think it is exciting because every planning phase needs a particular outcome and it is very clear that LA 2028 is the investment that we are making as South Africa. We are giving ourselves eight years to groom youngsters, they looked great at the Paris Game. We will protect and support them ahead of the next paralympics, and we do believe that they will make us proud,'' he expressed.