Maswanganyi reflects on silver success with SA relay team, praises mentor Simbine

However, lining up alongside Maswanganyi, Bayanda Walaza, and Bradley Nkoana - the SA quartet was able to secure an incredible second place on the biggest stage.

Though the four SA gladiators beat out all the competition except Canada. Despite his achievement, the 24-year-old Maswanganyi admitted the mix of emotions that overcame him after his team finished the race.

“Truth be told, I was starstruck, just looking back at the moment when Akani crossed the finish line; seeing him bring it home for us was just so surreal for us. Some days I wake up and forget that I have an Olympic medal,” Maswanganyi told SportsBoom.co.za.

“Akani has taught me a lot; it goes beyond just being an athlete. He has taught me how to be a good human being; he is a good mentor, and he is someone I look up to. I am glad he is as successful as he is.”

While Maswanganyi is studying towards a finance degree at the University of Houston, he still aims to represent South Africa whenever he can.

“I am still in school, using up my last year of eligibility. We are going to run the European circuit, and it will be my first year there.

“I will be in contact with Athletics South Africa to find out what my chances are of attending the SA championships.

“But ultimately I look forward to representing South Africa again at the world championships and going back to Tokyo, and I really feel like a statement needs to be made there."

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport