Paralympians give SA something to celebrate after the Boks' mauling at the hands of the All Blacks

Picture credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Picture credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Rio de Janeiro — The national rugby team might not have given much reason for celebration on Saturday but South Africa’s Paralympic team continued to rake in the medals on the other side of the world.

While the Springboks went down to New Zealand‚ Dyan Buis and Hilton Langenhoven helped maintain Team SA’s momentum on the medals table in Rio de Janeiro.

Buis joined Charl du Toit and Ilse Hayes as a double medal winner as he added T38 400m gold to his long jump bronze while Langenhoven loped to silver in the T12 200m in a time of 22.43.

Making it an even better day for Buis was the fact that his 49.46sec win was a Paralympic record.

“It was quite emotional for me out there because I knew we’d worked hard this season.” said Buis.

“It was marvellous. My lane draw was perfect and I fed on the runners in front of me – especially the Tunisian and Chinese guy‚ and then in the last 200m I attacked.

 “I have to give credit to coach Suzanne Ferreira and the team around me like the physios‚ stakeholders and my gym coach.

“Tonight I also wanted to run for my wife Erna and little daughter‚ Jinne‚ which was huge motivation.

“As for the future‚ I’m just going to take it as it comes. I’m not thinking of quitting right now but I also have to focus on my teaching career… I need a job right now‚ so come on guys‚ if there’s anyone listening out there.

 “I’ll go home a very happy man. The last four years weren’t the easiest of my life but I’m just happy that it all worked well today.” — Sascoc/TMG Digital

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