Pretoria – After the shock revelation that Oscar Pistorius was a pseudo-hero, South Africa’s cries for a new parasports hero have been answered in the person of wheelchair tennis ace Lucas Sithole.
It was nine months ago that the untainted image of disabled sport took a major blow when world famous double leg amputee and Olympian Pistorius was charged with the murder of model Reeva Steenkamp.
At the time, Pistorius was the poster boy for disabled athletics. He was seen as a superhero, and a symbol of triumph over physical adversity.
But all that came tumbling down on Valentine’s Day.
The sport was bereft of a noble champion.
But in stepped Sithole. The wheelchair tennis champion is the new poster boy for disabled sports in South Africa.
Last weekend, Sithole was named Disabled Sportsman of the Year at the SA Sport Awards, where sporting excellence was celebrated.
The accolade was a verification of the 27-year-old’s status as the new darling of parasports.
Sithole’s rise to the upper spheres of sporting greatness began in 2007 when he clinched his first major international title in winning the Melbourne Open in Australia.
However, his claim to fame which propelled him into nationwide recognition came earlier this year when he won the wheelchair US Open tennis tournament, becoming the first man from Africa to claim victory in the singles event.
The world number two has won the hearts of the public and is adored by fans for his humility and self-deprecating nature.
Sithole’s sharp sense of humour was there for all to see at the glitzy awards ceremony when, after having toiled his way up the stage ramp, he quipped: “That was a long walk to freedom.”
His talent is undeniable and his humble and affable nature puts him in a class of his own.
“I dedicated the award to all the people in South Africa living with disability for being so courageous and not allowing their disability to control their lives,” said the E’Thekwini-born athlete, who lost his lower limbs and a forearm in a freak train accident.
Sithole has embraced his celebrity status and the public’s adoration, which led him to vow to lead by example.
“I am glad that I can be a role model for youngsters out there. I am just trying to show people that it’s up to you to either wake up and chase your dream, or to continue to sleep. When I look back to where I came from and see what I’ve done, it gives me confidence for the future to strive to achieve more.”
The witty Sithole’s star is on the ascendency and with the South African public already eating out of the palm of his hand, it’s perhaps only a matter of time until the world acknowledges his greatness.
Pretoria News