South Africa has made a strong statement at the 2024 Paris Paralympics , bringing home two gold medals and four bronze, showcasing both emerging and established talents.

This impressive haul is a testament to the resilience and determination of South Africa’s Paralympic athletes, who continue to inspire the nation with their exceptional performances on the global stage. From thrilling races to awe-inspiring feats in the field, these athletes have shown the world the true spirit of perseverance. With the games still underway, South Africa’s athletes are determined to bring home even more glory and keep the nation’s flag flying high in Paris

South Africa made a notable appearance at the recent Paralympic Games, finishing 46th in the overall medal standings. Mpumelelo Mhlongo delivered an exceptional performance in the 100m T44, securing one of South Africa’s gold medals, while Simone Kruger claimed gold in the Discus F38. Mhlongo also earned bronze in the 200m T64, adding to his impressive tally. Other bronze medalists included Louzanne Coetzee in the Women’s 1500m T11, Pieter du Preez in the Men’s H1 Individual Time Trial, and the duo of Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole in Men’s Quad Wheelchair Tennis.

Leading the charge was Mpumelelo Mhlongo, who delivered a breathtaking performance in the men’s T44 100m to claim South Africa’s first gold medal of the event. His lightning-fast sprint not only secured victory but also ignited national pride as he showcased the relentless determination of South African athletes on the world stage.

Mpumelelo Mhlongo made history by securing South Africa’s first medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. A double world champion, Mhlongo is finally competing in his rightful classification as a T44 athlete, where he currently holds the world record in the men’s T44 100m event. His remarkable achievement continues to showcase his dominance in the sport and solidifies his status as a top contender on the global stage. His participation across multiple events demonstrates his relentless spirit and versatility as an elite Paralympic athlete.

Adding to the medal tally, Louzanne Coetzee, alongside her guide Estean Badenhorst, earned a well-deserved bronze in a thrilling race. Their synergy and perseverance shone through as they represented South Africa with grace and grit. Nicolas Pieter du Preez followed suit, securing a bronze in the Para Cycling Road Men’s H1 Individual Time Trial. His effort highlighted South Africa’s strength across various disciplines, proving that the country’s Paralympians excel far beyond the track.

A seasoned Paralympian, Du Preez is a C6 quadriplegic who previously competed in wheelchair track racing at the 2012 London Games, finishing sixth in the 400m. His most notable achievement came when he won gold in para-cycling at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, which were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His bronze medal in Paris adds to his impressive legacy as a top athlete in his category.

Pieter du Preez secured South Africa’s third medal at the Paris Paralympic Games, earning a bronze in the H1 category of para-cycling. Du Preez completed the individual time trial in 36:07.05, finishing behind Italy’s Fabrizio Cornegliani, who claimed gold with a time of 34:50.45, and Belgium’s Maxime Hordies, who took silver in 35:11.13. 

South Africa’s dominance extended to wheelchair tennis, where Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole captured bronze in the Quad Doubles event. Their resilience on the court further exemplified the fighting spirit of the nation’s Paralympians. With five medals already in the bag, South Africa’s athletes are far from done, aiming to bring even more glory home and inspire a new generation of sports stars.

Team South Africa has showcased remarkable determination and talent at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, making the nation proud with their outstanding performances. From Mpumelelo Mhlongo’s gold medal sprint in the T44 100m to Pieter du Preez’s hard-fought bronze in para-cycling, these athletes have proven their world-class abilities and resilience. With five medals in total, including standout achievements in wheelchair tennis and track events, the team has once again demonstrated South Africa’s strong presence in the Paralympic arena.

South African athletes didn’t just deliver in the medal count; they also set new benchmarks with personal bests and national and African records. These achievements reflect the steady progress being made in disciplines like judo and archery, where athletes advanced further than in previous competitions. This success underlines the continued resilience and growth of South Africa’s Paralympic team.