adminJOHANNESBURG. — International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said on Saturday that South African former world 800-metre champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, who died in a car crash on Friday, was a “true Olympian”. “Mbulaeni Mulaudzi was a true Olympian and a fine athlete. A world champion, he always showed huge commitment to his craft,” Bach said in a statement.
“Our sympathies go to his family and friends, and to the whole sports family of the rainbow nation of South Africa.
“He proudly represented his new nation around the world, and at home his successes inspired a new generation of young people to take up sport.
“He will be missed by the Olympic family.”
Mulaudzi (34) was killed Friday on his way to Johannesburg for an athletics meeting.
The highlight of his career was a shock 800m victory in the 2009 world championships in Berlin and he also took silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma is shocked and saddened over the passing of Olympic silver medallist, Mulaudzi.
“The nation has lost a true hero and one of our most disciplined and talented athletes who flew the South African flag across the sporting globe,” said Zuma.
“We wish to convey, on behalf of government and the entire country, our heartfelt condolences to his family, ASA, the South African sports fraternity and the International Olympics Committee. May his soul rest in peace.”
Spokesperson Mac Maharaj said Mulaudzi died in a road accident on his way to an Athletics South Africa (ASA) meeting in Johannesburg.
The SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said his legacy would live on forever.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the unexpected death of our Olympian, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi. We have lost yet another icon in the South African sport who raised the nation’s flag high in international sporting events.
“We will always remember the legacy he has left in South African sport,” CEO Tubby Reddy said. — AFP.
Online Reporter