A KwaZulu-Natal triathlete who survived a vicious attack a few years ago is optimistic about his future following a sponsorship deal with South Africa's leading triathlon company, Orca South Africa. Durban amputated athlete Mhlengi Gwala does a few exercises at the beach. Gwala was injured after he was attacked by three men who tried to cut off his legs. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/African News Agency(ANA)
A KwaZulu-Natal triathlete who survived a vicious attack a few years ago is optimistic about his future following a sponsorship deal with prominent South African triathlon company, Orca South Africa.
Mhlengi Gwala has been announced as an Orca South Africa sponsored athlete and the parties believe the partnership will benefit both of them.
Gwala, who grew up in the rural area of Emaphephetheni, had a passion to be a lifeguard and joined the Marine Lifesaving Surf Club in Durban and started swimming. This was where his love for swimming began and it was a natural progression to triathlons.
Gwala survived an attack in March 2018 when he was out cycling, when three men allegedly dragged him into a bushy area near the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban and attempted to hack off his legs with a chainsaw. One leg was severely injured.
While Gwala made a remarkable recovery after the attack, in August this year, he got an infection in his injured leg and it had to be amputated below the knee.
But the ordeal has not dampened his spirits – only made him stronger and more determined to live out his dreams.
Gwala won his category in the South African Para-Triathlon Championships this year in Bloemfontein and finished second overall.
Speaking to The Mercury this week, Gwala said the sponsorship deal would enable him to focus more on his performance without worrying about the essentials of the sport.
“Triathlon is a fun sport, but financially it’s demanding because the equipment varies from swimming gear to running shoes and a bicycle, and does not come cheap. So I am really happy about this and have no intention of letting Orca SA down,” he said.
Gwala said he had been a fan of Orca since he started doing triathlons, and that Fluidlines, the official distributor for Orca, believes in and supports his core values.
Gwala said he hopes that his securing the sponsorship will encourage aspiring triathletes to reach for their dreams.
“For me this affirms that hard work and dedication brings results in the end.”
Gwala shared some of his exercise routines with the Mercury.
THE MERCURY