The UP athlete has had his fair share of adversity in the past. He was found in contravention of doping regulations and as a result spent several years off the athletic circuit. In 2012 Manyonga was caught with traces of crystal methamphetamine (tik) in his system and this resulted in an 18-month ban. Fortunately for Manyonga, his story is triumphant as he has since been successfully rehabilitated.
Manyonga was delighted to have overcome his drug addiction and to make such a great comeback and win a silver medal. After his Olympic triumph, the 25-year old said, “I have risen from my demons … they’ve been trying for years to pull me down, but now I made it. My life already changed before I came here … this is just a bonus. I can’t even describe it … just look at my face.”
Image: Mail and Guardian.
