Luvo Manyonga’s rehabilitation after long battle with drug addiction continues

05 April 2017 - 12:26 By Mahlatse Mphahlele
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Luvo Manyonga flies through the air in the men's long jump during the Athletics SA Speed Series 2 at Free State Athletics Stadium on March 08, 2017 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Luvo Manyonga flies through the air in the men's long jump during the Athletics SA Speed Series 2 at Free State Athletics Stadium on March 08, 2017 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Image: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images

Olympic long jump silver medalist Luvo Manyonga’s rehabilitation after a long battle with drug addiction continues and he wants to use his inspirational story to empower others.

Manyonga‚ who was part of a rehabilitation programme in the lead up to the Rio Olympic Games‚ has now enrolled at an aftercare as he continues with his mission to achieve his dream of becoming one of the world’s best long jumpers.

“I have been playing sport since an early age and I have grown to love athletics deeply‚" he said in a statement.

"Unfortunately‚ I have been battling substance abuse since I was a teenager and it has been a difficult journey.

"I wanted to release this statement to show others that there is no shame in your past and empower others to shake off the stigma associated with addiction.”

  • Manyonga goes to great lengths for glory this yearLuvo Manyonga's ambition doesn't end at breaking the 8.95m world long-jump record, he is looking to take the sport to a new level. 

Manyonga added that he is fully committed to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport's (SAIDS) testing requirements.

He said he submits to regular monitoring.

The continuation of his treatment provides the best structure to achieve his personal and performance goals and it allows him to focus fully on the demands of training and competing while under the care and support of a professional support team.

“Decisions such as the one I have taken to be a part of a rehabilitation movement hopefully can allow others to admit to the daily challenges‚" he said.

  • Olympic silver medallist Manyonga hopes his life story inspires othersSouth African Olympic long-jump silver medallist ‚ Luvo Manyonga‚ is planning to make up for lost time and reward himself with gold at the Toyko 2020 Olympic Games. 

"I am committed to staying drug free and I want to achieve great things in my career and life.

"To achieve my goals and dreams I understand that I will need all the support I can get.

"I want to thank my family‚ Athletics South Africa (ASA) and my support team at Newton Sports Agency for all their help and support they have given me thus far.

"I am excited about my future.”

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now