Walaza, an 18-year-old from South Africa, was welcomed as a hero upon his return to school after winning a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships. His mother spoke about the challenges he overcame, including the tragic loss of his father, and expressed her immense pride in his achievement.
Walaza received a hero's welcome when he returned to Curro Hazeldean High School in August, following his exploits at the World Athletics Championships. The 18-year-old was escorted into the school hall during assembly under a guard of honour featuring South Africa flags raised above his head as he made his way to the stage. In an emotional ceremony with his mother at his side, Walaza was presented with the silver medal before the school sang the national anthem to cap the celebration.
Walaza's mother, Tholiwe, spoke about the challenges her son had to overcome, including his father's tragic death by gunshot when he was 10 years old. 'He lost his father in a violent fight, when his dad got shot. He experienced all that. After that it was tough. As a mother I had to do something,' she said. 'I went for counselling and for social workers to help. It's something that was so bad. After we buried his father, he was going for counselling. If he saw something violent after that where we're staying, if there's something that triggered that, he would be going back,' Tholiwe explained. Tholiwe described watching the final back home as an incredible experience. 'It's an emotional moment for me as I didn't expect this. He made me proud. I raised a brave one. I was worried because it's his first time on the global stage running against big names,' she said. 'We were at grandma's house — the whole family. Uncles, cousins were all there. When it was time to start the race, I didn't even see the finish and I said it's a win! I was so happy after I saw the results he delivered.' Tholiwe also shared her pride in seeing her son receive recognition from the Minister of Sport, McKenzie, who was chanting 'Walaza! Walaza!' during the victory celebrations. 'The moment the minister of sport McKenzie standing there — when I saw him chanting 'Walaza! Walaza!’, I didn't believe it. This is my son, I raised such a wonderful young star. I was so happy. Somebody called me and said 'wake up!'. I was numb. Now I'm a proud mother,' she said
Athletics World Championships Silver Medal South Africa Hero's Welcome
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South African Sprinter Cade Louw Eyes Podium at Upcoming National ChampionshipsCade Louw, a sprinter from Reiger Park, aims to earn a podium spot at the ASA sub-youth track and field championships in Bloemfontein. Having recently clinched a gold in the U13 boys’ 200m flat and a silver in the 200m hurdles at the provincial championships, Louw is enthusiastic about qualifying for the nationals and improving his performance.
Read more »
OPINION: Taking pressure off the youth is a big step forward for athleticsBy launching the Kids Athletics programme, World Athletics and Athletics SA are making a real attempt to attract the youth to the sport.
Read more »
Chad le Clos sets sights on more World Short Course Championships goldChad le Clos will head the medal charge as a youthful SA team head to the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest this week.
Read more »
South Africa: Yaz Plus Birth Control Pills Recalled in South Africa Over Packaging ErrorA serious packaging error has led to an immediate recall of a specific batch of Yaz Plus birth control pills in South Africa.
Read more »
South Africa: Le Kip Kip Revolutionizes HIV Prevention Conversations Among South African WomenInterview - Venessa Chen - a research program coordinator at the Program for Implementation Equity Research within the Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health and Human Rights - shared her research findings on The impact of the Le Kip Kip Social Influence Campaign on PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among women in South Africa - at the...
Read more »
South Sudanese Australian Sprinter Gout Gout Compared to Usain Bolt Sets Another 100m RecordAustralian sprinter Gout Gout, who has South Sudan roots set the fourth-fastest 100m time during the All-Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.
Read more »