Newcomer Collen Mahlalela makes SA's Para Athletics World Championships
This will be the first that Mahlalela competes at the World Championships, and he’s focused on bringing his A game and leaving a mark at the competition.
South African para-athlete Collen Mahlalela. Picture: SASAPD (South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled)/ Andries Kruger.
JOHANNESBURG – Para-athlete Collen Mahlalela has been named as one of the athletes who will be representing South Africa at the upcoming Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan, from May 17th to 25th.
“Being selected to compete in Japan is an incredible honour for me. It's not just about representing myself, but also my community, my country, and everyone who has supported me along the way. I feel deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited to showcase all the hard work and dedication that has brought me to this point” said Mahlalela.
In its 11th edition, the Para Athletics World Championships will feature over 1,000 athletes from more than a hundred nations competing across 171 medal events (93 male, 77 female, and one mixed).
This will be the first that Mahlalela competes at the World Championships, and he’s focused on bringing his A game and leaving a mark at the competition.
“At the championships in Japan, my primary goal is to give my absolute best performance. I hope to push my limits, compete with integrity, and learn from the experience regardless of the outcome. Ultimately, I aim to make my mark in the sport, inspire others, and perhaps even bring home a medal for my country.”
Mahlalela, won two gold medals - one in the 400m and another in the long jump, while also breaking the African record in the 400m at the recent Toyota South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD) National Championships in Bloemfontein.
"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 28-year-old from the village of Mthatha in Enkomazi, Mpumalanga competed at the Dubai 2024 World Para Athletics Grand Prix earlier in the year where he bagged silver in the men’s 400m and bronze in the men’s long jump T47.
"One of the highlights was participating in the World Para-Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai and receiving a silver and bronze medal, through which I also got my international classification, which has been long outstanding” said Mahlalela.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) selected a team of 15 athletes who will represent Team South Africa at the upcoming Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan.
Competing alongside Mahlalela will be South Africa’s world champions and Paralympians Mpumelelo Mhlongo, Simone Kruger, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic medallists Louzanne Coetzee and Sheryl James, Kerwin Noemdo, and Juane le Roux.
“Our Paralympic athletes have consistently brought honour to our nation, and I have every confidence that they will continue to shine at the Para Athletics World Championships,” said President of SASCOC Barry Hendricks in a statement.
