From dropout to athlete, Gwala turned life around

●2008

After matriculating in Ndedwe, Mhlengi Gwala arrives in Durban to study Tourism Management at Unisa. He dropped out in the first year after he failed five out of six modules.

●2011

After being admitted to hospital following a threeday aclohol and drug binge, Gwala volunteers to be a lifeguard, opening a new chapter in his life.

●2012-2013

Gwala qualifies as a trained lifesaver and is encouraged to start training as a triathlete by friends impressed by his running and fitness levels.

●2014

Gwala competes in KZN Triathlon Championships at Midmar Dam in Howick and qualifies for the SA Triathlon Champs in Port Elizabeth and World Championships in Canada. He was unable to attend because of financial constraints.

●2015

Gwala qualifies for and attends the World Triathlon Championships in Chicago courtesy of sponsorship from the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation.

Shortly before the event he suffered a leg injury in a bicycle accident that claimed the life of a friend. He took part with a bandaged leg.

●2016

Recovery from the accident prevents Gwala from taking part in top competitions.

●2017

Gwala participates in the Ride for Mr Price Foundation from Johannesburg to Durban to raise funds for community upliftment. He becomes a member of the Prime Institution Elite Development Programme.

●2018

While training for the SA Triathlon Championships taking place in Bloemfontein later this month, Gwala gets ambushed by men who tried to amputate his legs using a power saw. Surgeons have saved his right leg which was almost completely severed, but doubt that he will ever be able to compete at a professional level again as triathlete. Gwala, however, remains hopeful of a good recovery enabling him to reinvent himself as a sportsman in other areas.