Gwala on the verge of Games but needs aid

MHLENGI Gwala is a podium finish away from qualifying for the Tokyo Paralympics after he won the Africa Triathlon in Egypt on Sunday.

Funds permitting, Gwala will compete in Canada next month when a top three finish will be enough to see him move to within the top 10 in the world rankings and earn automatic entry to the Paralympics starting on August 24.

Gwala qualifying for the Paralympics would be something akin to a modern day Lazarus, after the man from Chesterville in Durban, Kwazulu-natal, survived a gruesome chainsaw attack that has seen him move from being an able-bodied triathlete to a disabled one competing in the TPS 4 category after his leg was amputated.

That he is now competing and on the verge of Paralympic qualification is testament to the 30-year-old’s tenacious spirit, which was vital in Cairo on Sunday when he overcame early obstacles to win his race.

Gwala experienced two punctures during the cycling leg of the race but still managed to win.

His reaction to his success was typical Gwala.

“I had a good race. I can’t complain about the two punctures I had during the bike leg of the race because I still managed to close the gap. I then caught them on the run and went on to win the race,” he said.

Just like that, none of the bravado often seen from many athletes. No punching his chest or lifting his hands in the air or reminding anyone who cared to listen just how great an athlete he is.

Instead, Gwala made sure to thank his backers and support system one-by-one, by name.

While he has said he will not be putting himself under pressure to qualify for the Paralympics given he has only really just started competing – the Africa Triathlon was his second event after he won the SA Para Triathlon in Bloemfontein in March – Gwala is sure to take the opportunity to book a ticket when it presents itself.

“To qualify for the Paralympics I need to earn enough points for a high ranking. If I can get some podium finishes in a few races in Europe or the Americas, I can qualify. But it is very costly going overseas for races and it won’t be easy because of the lockdown and restrictions on overseas travel due to Covid.”

His great friend and sporting brother Sandile Shange expressed delight at Gwala’s latest feat and is hopeful he will make it to Tokyo.

“We’ve made some proposals to potential sponsors to help with funds for him to be able to go to compete in Canada. Most of them said to us they will wait to see how he performs in Egypt before they can commit to helping. So now that he has won, we are hopeful that he will get the funds. He’s coming back on the 18th (Friday) and we will then have meetings with the people we’ve made proposals to, so we hear what they say. But we are truly delighted that he’s now African champion and it would be great if he was to go to the Games.”

Gwala participating at the Paralympics would be a tale for the ages.