I was running for the nation, says Ntando Mahlangu
South African Paralympic athlete Ntando Mahlangu says his achievements at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics was for each and every South African.
The 19-year-old won two gold medals, in the 200 meter and long jump respectively.
The Games ended on Sunday with South Africa’s medal tally standing at seven.
The country’s athletes won four golds, one silver and two bronze medals and achieved three world records.
The team landed back at O.R Tambo International Airport on Monday afternoon.
Mahlangu says it was an honour to represent South Africa.
“Going into Tokyo it was not about Ntando Mahlangu anymore, it was bigger than that. I was running for the nation, even on my long jump I think I gave it my best and on my last jump I was not jumping for myself anymore, it was jumping for the nation and apparently you jump very far when you jump for the nation – it is a big nation, you have a big advantage when you jump for the big nation. I think that’s what made the difference between me and other athletes,” Mahlangu told the media at the airport.
Mahlangu says the competition made him think about bigger things.
“It made me think about a lot of things in life, it is not about gold medals, It is not about breaking world records, it is bigger than that. I am happy that I realised that going into the long jump and the 200 that I was doing it for the nation I am so proud to come back home with two gold medals and one world records.”
Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa, who was at the airport to welcome the winning athletes, said they would be rewarded.
“Gold winner will receive R450 000 and the coach R120 000.
Silver R220 000 and the coach R70 000. Bronze R100 000 and the coach will receive R30 000,”
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