At 20, University of Johannesburg student and international para-athlete Puseletso Mabote already has a World Championship gold medal, world and African records, two Paralympic Games appearances and a prestigious South African Sports Award to his name.

Yet being named SA Sportsman of the Year with a Disability brought a feeling that was perhaps less expected: relief, while he said pride was the best way to explain the announcement. Mabote is part of UJ’s sports club for students with disabilities.

The award, however, represents more than another accolade. Mabote sees it as an opportunity to tell his story to South Africa and, one day, the world.

Read more: UJ athletes represent Team SA in 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

His sporting journey began when he was introduced to para-athletics by Jumping Kids. The organisation’s support, through its prosthetic fund, proved instrumental by providing him with mobility and mainstream education. “That pointed me in the right direction at the very least and provided me with more than enough support,” he said.

Mabote made his international debut at 12 and quickly discovered that success at a young age also required patience. His World Championship gold remains his proudest sporting achievement, having opened more doors than anything else he has accomplished.

Even his world-record performance in the T63 400m came with plenty of pain. The 400m is not his main event, but he used it early in the season to prepare for his other events.

Behind the medals is a demanding routine. “A typical training day for me is long, fast and painful,” he said, adding that the commitment often means sacrificing family and personal time.

One of his biggest challenges now is not on the track. Despite his achievements, Mabote said securing sponsorship remains difficult. “It is very hard to have accolades as I do and still get looked over.”

Also read: Fun facts about the Paralympics

At UJ, he said being both a student and athlete has strengthened his work ethic and discipline, while representing the university and South Africa gives him a sense of being in “the best possible place” for his career.

His ambitions remain firmly on track: defending his title and breaking the T63 100m world record. For young people with disabilities who may struggle to see what is possible, his message is simple: “Find the people that believe in you and stay with them. Never betray yourself by stopping before you’re finished.”

And when Mabote looks back at the 10-year-old who experienced a life-changing accident, he said he would not change his story, adding that he would not tell himself anything because that is what makes him who he is.

Now, he wants the person behind the records and medals to be remembered as “one of the greatest, humble and passionate”.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!