HERO’S WELCOME FOR NTANDO
Rio silver medallist returns home
PARALYMPICS sensation Ntando Mahlangu received a hero’s welcome when he and compatriots touched down at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday.
When Mahlangu’s name was called, the crowd roared, ululated, whistled and screamed. The teenager’s fellow pupils at Constantia Park Primary School in Pretoria waited for two hours for his arrival.
Waving placards and the country’s flags, they cheered his name when he arrived second-last to the podium, where other athletes were seating with dignitaries, including Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula and his deputy Gert Oosthuizen.
Ntando, 14, was the youngest athlete to compete at the Rio Paralympics. The T42 section 200m silver medallist and double amputee could not contain his excitement and hopped with his prosthetic legs to his schoolmates, who hugged him.
“I’m very excited and don’t know where to start. I know that I have made history. I never thought that I’d participate in the Paralympics at such a young age. It’s a very nice and good feeling. I want to thank everyone who supported me and
“His legs were amputated when he was only 10 years old
Sascoc (SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee) for the opportunity and all those that put the hard work for me to be here. If the Lord Almighty keeps me, I will be in Tokyo (2020 Paralympics).
“It’s very nice to get support, which shows what I’m putting through. I’ve accomplished what I never thought I would at 14. This achievement will show others my age that they can make it,” he said.
The Grade 7 pupil said he had worked hard for his silver medal.
“This dream began in London (2012). Four years ago, I never thought I will be here. I want to thank Jumping Kids Organisation that give kids like me prosthetic legs.”
Ntando promised the nation publicity will never change him.
“I hope to become a decorated athlete. I don’t know anything about money. I’m still young. I’m going to put all my money in a trust fund that I will access when I am over 18. For now, school is a priority and sport comes second.”
His mother Bongi Mahlangu was proud of his son’s achievements at such a young age.
“His legs were amputated when he was 10 and that’s when he developed the love for running. I never thought my boy was loved so much. I’m proud of him. I love him and the entire village (KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga) and the nation,” she said.
Jonathan Ntutu, who got a silver medal in T12 100m, said gold was his dream but it slipped from his hands. “In London, I brought home bronze and this time it’s silver. I’m happy and this shows improvement. I didn’t execute my race properly and if I did that, gold was there for the taking,” Ntutu said.