Mpumalanga’s medallist ready to take Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by storm
Collen Mahlalela, who hails from Nkomazi, is rearing and ready for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He says he is excited to be part of Team SA and looks forward to placing Mpumalanga on the map.
From Mpumalanga to the world. This is how professional athlete Collen Mahlalela’s journey can be described. He is on the South African team that represents the country at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The games officially started on Wednesday, August 28, and Mahlalela will take part in the first round of the T47 400m race on September 6 at 11:08, and again on September 7 at 20:55, if he progresses to the final.
This medallist from eMasibekela in Nkomazi is currently in Paris. He won a silver medal in the men’s 400m T47 at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, in May. He participated at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2024 in Dubai in February, when he won two medals, a silver and a bronze.
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During an interview with Lowvelder on Monday, August 26, he said being part of Team SA feels incredible, and it is a dream come true to work with such amazing and dedicated people.
“In this team, I am growing professionally and I can make meaningful contributions. I never thought I would make it this far, but by the grace of God, I made it and am able to represent my country globally.”
Mahlalela said he is having a great time in Paris, and he has managed to visit some of the accessible landmarks. “Paris is absolutely amazing. The city’s vibrant energy and rich history are so inspiring. I am exploring while enjoying the cultural treasures, and my needs are accommodated. It is nice to see how inclusivity is embraced.”
When asked what he is doing to prepare, he said he follows a stringent programme.
“I am training very hard. I train in the morning doing tempo, run-ups and running 300m.”
Mahlalela started participating in athletics in 2021. “Before that, I used to play soccer. My coach introduced me to a sports club and I started competing in 2022. I used to run 100m at 11:08.”
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During a previous interview, he said, “Nothing beats determination and focus. Anyone living with a disability should not allow that to hinder them in any way, because anything is possible if you believe and work on it. My disability was a result of a fire accident that emanated from a paraffin light when I was just four months old. I did not let that deter me from doing what I love and what I am capable of.”
