Luvo writes new story of success
LUVO Manyonga is sick of the tired narrative about him — the tik monster who broke his deal with the devil to become an Olympic hero.
Two years ago the country’s star long jumper leapt from Paarl’s rundown back yard into Pretoria’s elite High Performance Centre.
He has never been back to the township of Mbekweni, which swells with pride every time he jumps.
His family’s modest home — in Machule (roughly translated as “the talented ones“) Street— is dripping with sport medals, trophies and certificates. Every member of the Manyonga family was a star in their own right. Father John was a talented rugby player and Luvo’s brother, Sivuyile, a soccer ace.
“I saw [from an early age] that Luvo was going to be big in sport. Whenever I went to play rugby, he always wanted to go with me,” said John.
The youngster even dabbled in rugby.
“He was good and had a lot of speed. He also tried out soccer as a goalkeeper,” said the proud father.
Mother Joyce recounted her days on the track at