Off the streets and into the arena
This is a story of a South African boy who was dealt a rough hand in life but was saved by sport.
Yesterday, Bongani Mvumvu presented his compulsory programme in the team competition of the Vaulting event. “We were all really nervous. The best athletes in the world are here!” Quick to laugh, very accessible and enthusiastic, Bongani would have all the reasons in the world to complain about the struggles he has had to deal with in life. Rejected by the second wife of his father, abandoned by his mother, he went to live with his aunt and uncle who were killed in a tragic accident. Bongani was a mere eight years old when he found himself living on the streets. At the age of ten, he crossed paths with an equestrian coach. She put him on a horse and instantly knew he had incredible talent. His abilities would open doors to the world’s top competitions, including the Lexington Games where he participated in the individual event. “I want to share this experience with my team. Everyone except me is participating in their first Games. Of course I have personal goals but my number one goal in Normandy is to share the experience with my younger teammates.”