Grade 9 learner at King Edward VII School Puseletso Mabote leapt to a new African record for long jump and South African record for 200m at the National Track and Field Championships in Gqeberha recently.
The enthusiastic 15-year-old athlete said he is proud of the improvements he has made at nationals and hopes to qualify for the Paralympics with a bit of extra work.
His excellent results at the national championships included 4.84m in the T62 U17 men’s long jump category and 26.88 seconds in the 200m U17 men T62 division, setting a new (provisional) South African record. He also achieved gold in the 100m in a time of 13.27 seconds.
Speaking to the Gazette, Puseletso said he started competing at Jumping Kids and IsAbility Sports Team five years ago.
“At first, it was small events just for the younger kids and then, as I improved, I went to compete in nationals and international competitions in Ireland, Portugal and the UAE,” said Puseletso.
He is focused on qualifying for Tokyo and would love to represent South Africa and become a leader one day. “I like to push myself and see what I can do. I like the freedom that comes from running, jumping, and competing because many people thought I wouldn’t be able to after my accident.”
He underwent an above-knee amputation in 2010 at age five after he was run over by a truck on his way to school. He explained that it was tough being an amputee at such a young age. “I felt limited and people often limit you by thinking you won’t be able to do many things.
“I am lucky that I have got support and got good prosthetics. Even then, it still takes time to get used to everything but it lets me live and chase my dreams so that’s what I’m doing.”
Jumping Kids director Michael Stevens, who has known Puseletso for eight years, said he is proud of what the young athlete has achieved. “I think he has the potential to go to Tokyo Paralympics and do well. It would be a great experience and give him the chance to understand what it takes to medal in 2024,” said Stevens.
Related articles:
Displaced people to be given shelter at 30 schools, including Parktown Boys and Kes, during lockdown
