CAPE TOWN – At nearly 40 years old, most athletes would be contemplating retirement. But for Ndodomzi Jonathan Ntutu, South Africa’s fastest-ever para athlete, age is just another barrier to break through. With two Commonwealth Games gold medals already in his possession and his sights set firmly on Glasgow 2026, Ntutu is chasing something unprecedented: a third consecutive Commonwealth Games 100-metre title.
The man whose training regime spans five days a week has been running since the age of six at Athlone School for the Blind in Belville South. Growing up in the township of Gugulethu, Ntutu’s commitment to athletics began after losing a street race with a friend, Thobane Damane.
“I lost a street race to a friend, Thobane Damane, and decided right then that I needed to focus on athletics,” Ntutu recalls.
The boarding school environment proved crucial in shaping his character. “It helped me make good choices and avoid the negative paths that were common in our area,” he reflects. “I’m grateful for the choices my parents made for me.”
When cricket dreams changed direction
Cricket was Ntutu’s first love, and he had harboured dreams of representing his country on the cricket field. However, as his vision continued to deteriorate, the reality of facing a hard cricket ball at high speeds became dangerous.
“Cricket remains important to me, but I had to accept that I wouldn’t play professionally,” he says. “I found my path in athletics instead, though I still enjoy following the sport.”
That transition from cricket to track has proven to be South Africa’s gain. Since making the switch, Ntutu has collected an impressive medal haul: two Paralympic medals, including bronze from the 2012 London Games, and two Commonwealth Games gold medals from 2018 and 2022.
Carrying the title of South Africa’s fastest-ever para athlete comes with pressure, but Ntutu thrives on it. “I’ve worked towards that title for a long time, and now I’m aiming even higher – to be the fastest Paralympic athlete ever,” he states.
When asked which achievement means the most to him, Ntutu values all his medals. “I value all my hard-earned medals, but the 2012 Paralympic bronze in London, my 2018 Commonwealth gold, and especially my 2022 Commonwealth gold , each represents a different chapter of my journey.”
That 2022 Commonwealth Games victory represented more than two decades of representing South Africa on the track. “It was a dream realised,” he says. “I originally wanted to represent SA in cricket, but I’m proud to have done so in athletics for over twenty years.”
Training for Glasgow 2026
Currently training five days a week, plus two to three gym sessions and regular physiotherapy with Michéle Witbooi, Ntutu maintains a rigorous schedule. Under coach Raymond Julius – the same coach who guided him to Commonwealth gold in 2022. He’s preparing for what could be the crowning achievement of his career.
“My goal is simple: defend my Commonwealth 100m title for the third consecutive time,” he explains. “A three-peat would be historic.”
The preparation hasn’t been without challenges. A hamstring injury forced a late start to his season, requiring increased focus on rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
His upcoming race schedule includes the Central Gauteng Athletics Championships on 12 to 14 March in Johannesburg, Potchefstroom on 17 March, the Winelands International Meeting in Stellenbosch on 28 March, followed by Nationals from 29 March to 1 April in Stellenbosch, and international competitions including the Mexico Grand Prix on 11 May and Barcelona International Meeting on 16 May.
Daily challenges and inspiration
Being visually impaired in South Africa presents daily challenges. “I stay cautious, sit at the front in class or when watching TV, avoid risky areas,” Ntutu explains. “Sometimes I’m shy about showing vulnerability because of people with bad intentions.”
Yet these challenges have shaped his message to young people facing their own obstacles. “Don’t blame your circumstances; take responsibility for your destiny,” he advises. “Do what you need to, so you can do what you want to.”
When Ntutu talks about legacy, his ambitions are clear. “I want to be inseparable from disability sport in South Africa,” he declares. “When you talk disability sports, you would be hard-pressed to look past Ndodomzi Jonathan Ntutu. I want my name to be a lasting part of Commonwealth and disability sports history.”
Funding the dream
To fund his European racing campaign and preparation for Glasgow 2026, Ntutu has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign called “The Golden Treble.” The campaign aims to support his preparation for what would be a historic third consecutive Commonwealth title.
As he chases his golden treble, Ndodomzi Jonathan Ntutu continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in para athletics, carrying the hopes of a nation as he pursues Commonwealth Games history.
Support Jonathan’s campaign at: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/the-golden-treble
