Paralympic bronze medalists, Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole returned home on Friday to a heroes’ welcome.
The South African wheelchair tennis players won the bronze medal in the quad doubles played at Roland Garrios on September 4.
Friends and family members welcomed the two at the OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.
ALSO READ: Local Paralympic swimmer set to represent SA in Paris
This achievement marks the first time the continent of Africa has a Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis medal to celebrate.
Ramphadi and Sithole defeated Leandro Pena and Ymanitu Silva, aiming to become the first Brazilian players to claim a Paralympic medal in any wheelchair tennis category, with 6-2, 4-6, 10-8 following a tense match tiebreak.
With this victory, South Africa became the 13th nation to win a Paralympic medal in wheelchair tennis since the sport became a full-medal event in 1992.
Ramphadi and Sithole are proud of their trailblazing heroics in Paris.
“It was a good experience for me and Donald. I think we played well and stuck to our goal, which was to have fun and find ourselves on one of the podiums and we are thrilled with the win,” said Sithole.
ALSO READ: Under Armour relives most memorable 2021 sporting moments
“For me, this win means a lot because I have been out of the game for almost three years.
“I have come back and won a Paralympic medal, which is a great achievement,” said Sithole
“I thank the Inyathi Foundation for helping me with the preparations.
“I hope these medals will open doors for Donald, myself, and young, upcoming wheelchair tennis players,” he added.
Sithole said he has since competed at five Grand Slams, winning the US Open quad singles title in 2013 and the doubles at the Australian Open in 2016, while he now has a Paralympic bronze medal for good measure.
ALSO READ: How mental strength took Olympians to gold
“It is our first big medal playing together, and it was wonderful to write history. It is the first Paralympic wheelchair tennis medal for Africa and we are delighted,” said Sithole.
“It is big for both of us, but also people of South Africa, and the children who look up to us.
“I hope this achievement inspires the youth and I hope one day when I retire there will be more Sitholes and Ramphadis produced,” he said.
Sithole said his plans included getting back to the tour and better his rankings to play for the grand slams.
Ramphadi said he was excited about the win and the reception they received coming home.
“I only realised after the match that we were the first Africans to win this medal. It was emotional, especially after realising the significance of our achievement, “said Ramphadi.
“I did a few interviews before I left and promised South Africa a medal of any colour and I did it.
“We urge people and businesses to support us, especially with funding for overseas travel, which helps improve our rankings,” said Ramphadi.
