Silver medallist Collen Mahlalela believes there's room for growth after World Champs performance
Competing for the first time on such a big stage, Mahlalela raised the country’s flag as he grabbed a silver medal in the 400m T47.
Para-athlete Collen Mahlalela wins a silver medal at his first Para Athletics World Championships. Picture: Andries Kruger/ Facebook.
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa returned with six medals from the Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan in May.
One of the medals belong to Collen Mahlalela as he debuted his first World Championships.
Competing for the first time on such a big stage, Mahlalela raised the country’s flag as he grabbed a silver medal in the 400m T47.
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Newcomer Collen Mahlalela makes SA's Para Athletics World Championships
Despite 2 gold medals, Mahlalela has mixed emotions about his SASAPD national champ's performance
“I have mixed emotions about my performance because my personal goal was to get a gold medal, however, I’m happy with my overall performance especially the times I clocked. In my first heat, I clocked 49.32 seconds and in the final race, I clocked 48.66 seconds this just shows that there is still room for improvement,” said Mahlalela.
The World Championships are a crucial qualifier for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
"I am hoping to qualify to go for the Paralympics and win so that I can change my life. This will be a gateway to changing my family background."
The KwaThema Disability Club athlete told Eyewitness News that the overall experience of participating at the World Championships was been the biggest highlight of his career, adding that his favourite moment was the final race in the competition.
“Coach Hennie Kriel has been coaching me. My message to him is thank-you for always pushing me to be the best. I’m grateful for all you do for me. Also, I’m beyond excited to continue training for the Paralympics with you.”
Mahlalela told Eyewitness News that throughout his career, he had learnt that perseverance was the key to success.
"Looking at where I come from, I have learnt that nothing comes on a silver platter, the amount of hard work you put in will determine the outcome."
The 28-year-old from the village of Mthatha in Enkomazi, Mpumalanga, also competed at the Dubai 2024 World Para Athletics Grand Prix where he bagged silver in the men’s 400m and bronze in the men’s long jump T47.
“To my sponsors, I want to express my deepest gratitude for their generous sponsorship and support because this has significantly impacted my life.”