SA Paralympian Puseletso Mabote gunning for gold at the World Championships

The Paralympian won silver for Team South Africa in the men’s T63 final and set a new African record in the long jump in Kobe, Japan, last year.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mabote says with the right amount of preparation, he can reach a podium finish.

"At the World Championships this year, we are aiming for gold as always, and that will arrive after thorough preparation and planning," said the promising paralympian. 

Mabote also broke the World Record in the men’s 100m T63 and African record in the men’s long jump T63 at the Paralympic Games in Paris last year.

He says he decided to take a gap year so he could recover from all the hard work he put in, in 2024, juggling both matric and the Paralympics.

"Taking a gap year was a forced decision because of university applications, limited spaces, and all that drama. I also had a crazy year last year because the Paris Paralympics and Matric responsibilities were all happening at the same time," explained the youngster. 

He adds that he looks up to SA Paralympic gold medalists, Mpumelelo Mhlongo and Ntando Mahlangu.

"Quite a few people have inspired me throughout my young career. Over the last year or so, my greatest inspiration has been Mpumelelo Mhlongo, not to mention Ntando Mahlangu. Both of those athletes paved the way for someone like me."