Boland long jump sensation Luvo Manyonga, had a smile as wide as the Rainbow Nation after sensationally winning the long jump gold medal at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada.
Manyonga produced a final leap of 7.99 metres to take the honours in a pressure situation after Spaniard Eusebio Caceres had put in a final jump of 7.90, to force the South African into a make or break situation.
"I dedicate this gold medal to Caster Semenya's return to international athletics," said a beaming Manyonga afterwards. "It's great that she is back in competition and I look forward to seeing her clock some great times in the months ahead."
The jumper from Mbokweni near Paarl in the Western Cape said he put everything into his final jump. "I wasn't going to settle for the silver medal," he remarked. "I have been battling a bit with my left knee but I put it right out of my mind to get through to the win."
Manyonga's win was Team SA's second medal within 45 minutes, after North West University javelin star Tazmin Brits collected a bronze with an evening best of 54.55m on her fourth throw.
