Top prize humbles Manyonga
SPORTS AWARDS: MANYONGA BEST IN TWO CATEGORIES
Long-jumper has come a long way since his doping ban.
Expressing their gratitude after stealing the show at the SA Sports Awards, long jumper Luvo Manyonga and middle-distance runner Caster Semenya thanked a long list of supporters who had assisted them in overcoming their battles off the track to secure world titles.
Manyonga bounced back from a doping ban and recreational drug addiction to be crowned Sportsman-of-the-Year on Sunday night. He was also named Sports Star-of-the-Year ahead of Semenya, sprint sensation Wayde van Niekerk, footballer Percy Tau and boxer Bongani Tete.
The lanky jumper’s unbeaten season included a gold medal at the World Championships in London and an African record leap of 8.65 metres.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord Almighty for keeping me out of the streets and from being a drug addict,” said an emotional Manyonga.
“It’s been a journey ... and I just want to say to South Africans who are living with addiction, wherever you are just pray to God, ask your parents and everyone next to you, and you’re going to make it in life.”
Semenya, who still had a controversial issue hanging over her head with the Court of Arbitration for Sport yet to decide on the IAAF rule against athletes with hyperandrogenism, was recognised as Sportswoman-of-the-Year.
She also received the People’s Choice award, which was decided by public vote, ahead of Manyonga, Van Niekerk, swimmer Chad le Clos and bowler Kagiso Rabada.
“I would like to thank my parents for showing me love and support with the criticism of my gender. You know my story,” said Semenya, whose coach Jean Verster was named Coach-of-the-Year.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the South African people for the support they have given me. They went all out to vote, and I really appreciate the support.”