Mpumelelo Tevin Mhlongo

Mpumelelo Mhlongo is South African Paralympic sprinter and long jumper who has overcome amniotic band syndrome — a congenital condition affecting his limbs—to become a global icon of resilience. Competing in the T44 classification, Mhlongo holds world records in the 100m, 200m, and long jump, establishing himself as the fastest para-athlete in his category with an unbeaten streak in major competitions across these events for over a decade. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, he delivered a historic performance, securing gold in the men's 100m T44 — South Africa's first medal of the Games — and bronze in the 200m T64, shattering another world record. 

His triumphs earned him the Shield of Jove, South Africa's highest sporting honor, awarded by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Beyond the Paralympics, Mhlongo is the reigning world champion in the 100m T44 from the 2023 Paris and 2024 Kobe World Para-Athletics Championships, where he claimed gold. He has been named South Africa's Sportsman of the Year with a Disability for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025) at the Regional Annual Sports Awards, a flagship event of the African Union Sports Council Region 5, among other accolades. 

A PhD candidate in chemical engineering at the University of Cape Town, multi-asset Financial Structuring Specialist and an Investec-sponsored athlete, Mhlongo embodies innovation and determination. His journey from school awards to Paralympic glory symbolizes Africa's unstoppable potential, as he broke barriers, fostered excellence, and continues to drive transformative growth for the continent's future.