PARALYMPICS 2024: 'Nothing comes on a silver platter' - track athlete Collen Mahlalela

JOHANNESBURG – Collen Mahlalela grew up ashamed of his disability, always trying to hide that he was an amputee by wearing a long-sleeved jersey all year round.

Once he took up Para sports in 2021, he realised there was nothing wrong with being different, and has since grown confident in his body.

The 28-year-old who felt out of place as a child with a disability is at the Paris Paralympics representing South Africa in the 400m.

“What I can say about the Paralympics is that I want to get a world record, which will lead me to obtaining a gold medal. My wish is to be ranked number one around the world. At the moment I am number 3 around the world in T47,” Mahlalela told Eyewitness News.

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T47 is a disability sport classification for disability athletics, primarily for competitors with an amputation or impairment below the elbow or wrist.

“When I was a four-month-old baby, I got burned while sleeping on the floor with three of my siblings. My mother was outside, and as it were back then, we used lamps to light up the house. It then fell from the table and the paraffin spilt on the floor, and that's where the fire got ignited where we were sleeping. I was the only one that got burnt”, Mahlalela recalled.

For most of his childhood, Mahlela found solace in soccer. He played for the Bitwits Football Academy and was coached by Popo Mohlaba and Ashely Makhanya.

He told Eyewitness News it was Coach Mohlaba who introduced him to the KwaThema Disability Sports Club, and that’s how he ended up taking part in his first para-athletics national championships in 2021.

“Growing up, I used to hide my hand a lot, so that people don't make a mockery of me, because when you are young, kids don't see it with the same lens. Even at secondary school, I used to wear a jersey or long-sleeved shirts. My hand was always in my pocket.  Many people are only starting to recognise my hand because I am exposed now.”

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."

In May this year, South Africa returned with six medals from the Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan.

One of the medals belongs 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.

“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.”

He tells Eyewitness News he hopes the Paralympics will be a gateway to changing his family background.

You can catch Mahlela's run on 30 August at 10:00. For a detailed breakdown of more Paralympic Games events, click here.