Flood of global tributes for Mulaudzi

Tributes flooded in as South Africa woke up on Saturday morning to the sad news of the untimely passing of Olympic, Commonwealth and World Championships track medallist Mbulaeni Mulaudzi. Mulaudzi, 34, was killed in a car crash en route to an Athletics South Africa (ASA) meeting in Johannesburg on Friday. One of South Africa’s most accomplished athletes on the track, he was also one of the most unassuming people off it. Again, blessed with a blistering finish and a competitive nature during races, when the racing was done and dusted there were times when he seemed almost bemused by the interest in his exploits and was never one to seek the media spotlight and headline hogging. After winning gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England flag-bearer Mulaudzi went on to grab silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics in Greece and in 2009 he added the world championship title to his name in Berlin, Germany. After injury finally put paid to his competitive career, true to the person he was, Mulaudzi was ever keen to put back into the sport that brought him so much joy. At the time of his passing he was involved in various training groups in the Limpopo province. As recently as this week he was hard at work on enriching the sport as can be seen by a comment on his Facebook page: “We looking at all ages, not just athletics, we also do fitness for all sporting codes, even if you are not an athlete but you require personal training, we do that for you, can contact me.” Below are just some of the hundreds of tributes that came in for one of South Africa’s best track and field athletes ever. IAAF World Athletics Club The IAAF is deeply saddened to hear the news that 2009 world 800m champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi died in a car crash this afternoon. RIP. Hezekiel Sepeng (1996 Olympic 800m silver medallist) I will miss you my friend thanks for being there when I was down you picked me up as a brother and will never forget that. Rest in peace till we meet again Champ. Khotso Mokoena (fellow Olympic medallist) I’ve lost a brother, a friend, and a national hero! Sad news to my soul.. I’ve just learned the news that Mbulaeni has passed away! Dedicated all his life to track and field. Conquered the world many times on the 800m not to mention his Olympic Games silver medal in Athens! May his soul rest in peace! Death be not proud! Ofentse Mogowane (fellow Olympian) RIP legend off a 800m South Africa and world athletic will miss you. Wayde van Niekerk (2014 Commonwealth silver medallist) You inspired and showed us the way… RIP sir you’re safe in the Lord’s arms. Lornah Kiplagat (Kenya’s world road and cross-country champion) Extremely sad to hear South African 800 m legend and friend Mulaudzi died today in an accident. RIP. Yosef Hunde (up-and-coming Ethiopian runner) Mbulaeni Mulaudzi world 800m champion died. RIP he was a hero in Africa. -sascoc.co.za JOHANNESBURG MARK ETHERIDGE