Mpumelelo Mhlongo never gets used to winning awards

Mhlongo has been nominated for Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, alongside Puseletso Mabote and Christian Sadie, in what promises to be a tough category. 

The prestigious awards ceremony takes place at Sun City in the North West on Sunday evening. 

Mhlongo has won the award back-to-back, but says every nomination and victory remains special. 

"I don't think you ever get used to it. You sit back and see sports ministers there, the deputy president is there one year, the president the other year. You 've got your friends, your family, and a whole host of athletes who do amazing things in their respective disciplines," said Mhlongo .

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"I've been very fortunate in the journey of the last three years, having very high successes in our sports, and I am alongside very deserving nominees. There are other deserving athletes who haven't even been nominated, so for a year where we've slowed down and really focused on the development of youth athletes, like one of them being Puseletso Mabote, to now see him alongside me gives me more joy than winning the award ever."

The Paris Paralympic Games gold medallist is grateful that his hard work continues to be recognised. 

He says the recognition motivates him every time he steps onto the track or into the sandpit.

The 32-year-old sprinter and long jumper is a world record holder in the T44 100m, 200m and long jump. 

Mhlongo says he does not judge himself only on what he achieved in 2025, but on his ability to perform consistently year after year.

Mhlongo, who works full-time for a corporate company, has remained consistent across his events and continues to inspire young athletes. 

He says his sporting journey is bigger than just himself and that he continues to learn along the way.

It has been a relatively quiet year for the three-time Paralympian and KwaZulu-Natal-born athlete. 

Mhlongo says things will get busier with the World Championships next year and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games on the horizon. 

Despite a quieter season, he remains unbeaten and ranked number one in all his events.