World Champion Mhlongo wins gold for South Africa
Watch Mpume streak away from the pack
Mpumelelo Mhlongo ran to a stellar first place spot, in a season-best, on Mon 20 May in the 2024 Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan, in the 100m T44.
The world record holder and defending world champion ran the 100m in 11.34 seconds.
He streaked past the competition, beating all comers by over four-tenths of a second.
Watch Mpume streak away from the pack
Mpumelelo Mhlongo ran to a stellar first place spot, in a season-best, on Mon 20 May in the 2024 Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan, in the 100m T44.
The world record holder and defending world champion ran the 100m in 11.34 seconds.
He streaked past the competition, beating all comers by over four-tenths of a second.
SA Sports awards winner
Mpumelelo Mhlongo was named "Sportman of the year with a disability" in the 2024 SA Sport Awards. Mhlongo was nominated alongside top-ranked South African golfer David Watts and Wheelchair Tennis star Donald Ramphadi. With the Paralympics just over three months away, Mhlongo says his preparations are going to plan.
"I'm feeling the best I've ever felt, and ready. We know exactly what will work since we've had the trials and errors going into World Champs," said the elated Mhlongo holding his trophy.
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 one 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.
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.
An elated Mpume, South African flag aloft, having just won gold for his country.
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 to support Mpume on his journey to Paris 2024, knowing he will change many lives along the way. - Peta Dixon, Investec head of sponsorships.
Dixon, goes on to say that Mpume is talented in so many areas that he's an inspiration on and off the track. "Mpume 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."
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.