From Being Beaten By His Community To Reclaiming Glory, Luvo Manyonga Is Back

Luvo Manyonga has marked a notable return to form after a prolonged absence, winning both the South African men’s long jump title and the 2026 Botswana Golden Grand Prix event.

The 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist has faced well-documented challenges during his career, including issues related to substance abuse and anti-doping violations.

During his career, Manyonga has been served with two doping bans. His second ban was issued in June 2021, when he received a four-year suspension after failing to provide sufficient information to anti-doping officials for drug testing. That ban remained in place until December 2024.

Earlier in his career, Manyonga opened his 2012 season with an eight-metre jump but struggled with the pressures that came with financial success, as friends and family became reliant on him. This led to mounting debt and increased stress, with his coach, Mario Smith, stepping in to support his family.

Around that period, Manyonga became addicted to tik, a local form of crystal meth, which he had first tried in 2011. He subsequently tested positive during a competition in March and admitted to using the drug recreationally, resulting in an 18-month ban from the sport. 

At his doping hearing, Smith advocated for leniency, citing Manyonga’s background and limited exposure to anti-doping education.

Inspiring Change 

In recent weeks, Manyonga has returned to competition and form, securing his first national title since 2019 before following it up with victory at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.

Reflecting on a turning point in his life, Manyonga described how a serious incident within his community prompted a change in mindset.

“After I was beaten up by the community, I was not able to walk for a week. That week, I had flashbacks of everything I've done and everything I've lost, and I just decided. I think all the pain dawned on me because when I was beaten up, those guys were telling me that I would never jump again,” Manyonga told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interaction. 

“I didn’t go to rehab because I've done multiple rehabs, and they never helped. I had to make that decision that it's either you're going to die, or you're going to stand up for yourself and beat this thing.”

Manyonga also highlighted the factors behind his renewed focus, including his responsibilities as a father and his aim to rebuild his career.

“Beating substance abuse was not easy. But I had to make it because I have kids. I have lost my mom to that. There are a lot of things that I have lost. I had to look back and decide that I cannot continue like this,” Manyonga added. 

“I always had to explain myself to people when I saw people on the road. I have to hide myself when I'm going around. I was tired of that. People know me as a role model. Now they see me on the street drinking and stuff like that.

“I had to decide that I was not born for this. I was born to be great. God gave me an opportunity to be great. But I neglected it. I took it for granted. But what happened in my life was just a stupid mistake that any kid can make at a young age, getting so much money.

“I have to show the world, my fans, my son, and my mom that I am the world champ, I'm a role model, and also the kids out there who are looking up to me.

“When I fell, I felt that I had disappointed a lot of people, close friends, family, siblings, and South Africa at large. There are a lot of people who have invested their love and prayers in Luvo Manyonga. I felt that I owed it to myself, firstly, and also my late mom, my fans, and the kids who are looking up to Luvo Manyonga.”

His recent results represent a significant step in his return to elite competition as he looks to re-establish himself in the men’s long jump.