Local blade runner Puseletso ‘Fana’ Mbote qualified for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo after winning gold in both the 100m and 200m events at the National Championships for the Physically Disabled. “I’m extremely happy and I really look forward to representing my country at international level,” said Jameson Park resident Fana after the meet which took place in Stellenbosch from March 17 to 21.
“It was amazing to compete in Stellenbosch and I would like to thank everyone who helped me to make this dream come true.”
Prior to this outstanding achievement the 13-year-old learner of Nigel Secondary School, who lost the use of his right leg in an accident on his fifth birthday, was concerned that he would not be able to participate in the national championships due to a lack of funds.
Fortunately a good Samaritan who read a feature article on Fana, which was published in the March 6 edition HERAUT, phoned his sister Moshidisi the very same day and paid for his airline ticket.
“We are so blessed that someone decided they would pay for his flight,” Moshidisi said.”
“The donation by a member of the community was made the same day the newspaper appeared and later another person phoned me to help with funds Fana needed at the championships.”
Fana raced to gold in the 100m event for boys u/15 with a time of 13.95s and crossed the finish line in 28.08s to top the podium in the 200m event.
He also competed in the long jump, but failed to make the podium with his best attempt of 4.82m. The victories in the track events have undoubtedly further fueled the fire Fana needs to fulfill his goal of winning gold in Tokyo.
He is still searching for a permanent trainer to help him become an even better athlete – but he is confident that the right person will cross his path soon. Fana said that his role model in athletics is Ntando Mahlangu – a double amputee who won silver at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games in the T42 category – and that he would like nothing more than to be tested against the best the world has to offer.
In the build-up to the 2020 Paralympics Fana knows that he will have to give it his all in training if he wants to reach the podium in Tokyo.
“I’m really excited about the idea of going overseas again and I know that with the right mindset I can do it.”
The trip to Tokyo will, however, cost far more than what his flight to Cape Town did. Fana will again need the assistance of HERAUT readers to help him to the starting line. Persons who would like to contribute to this young man’s dreams can phone his sister Moshidisi on 074 527 0395 or email news.heraut@lantic.net.
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