South Africa’s most inspiring Amputee Runner is uplifting us all again… after completing his first Ironman!
East London, South Africa – Amputee runner, Xolani Luvuno pursed his dream to complete the 2019 Half Ironman on crutches yesterday, and inspired thousands while doing it!
Ironman South Africa has been a favourite on the global race circuit for over a decade. The day begins with a one-lap, 1,9km swim, a 90km cycle and ends with a 21.1km run, and Xolani has made it to the finish line on his famous crutches!
The incredible athlete set a goal to do his first half Ironman after completing the Comrades Marathon in 2018 but South Africans first got to know Xolani in May last year after renowned South African advocate for change, Yusuf Abramjee, spotted the runner and stopped to speak to him.
When he heard his story, he posted it online immediately.
“I’ve just spotted this runner in Centurion running The Wally Hayward – he has bone marrow cancer. I salute his courage & will power.”
But what seemed like a massive achievement is not the biggest mountain that Xolani has climbed in his life. The incredible South African survived bone marrow cancer and a little over 2 years ago, was a drug addict who by then had been homeless, living under a bridge in Pretoria for 7 years.
Running has indeed enabled him to turn his life around!
Good Things Guy caught up with Xolani in June 2018 to talk about his inspiring run; his strength and determination and his next epic challenge.
He’s described running as his “new addiction” and says he was given the break that led to him turning his life around by Hein Venter, who helped him get off the streets and into running. He even opens up about the medal debacle and chats about his triumph over adversity.
And now he has achieved his goal and added another medal to his growing collection.
Watch the inspirational finish below:
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