Eswatini medal tally at the ongoing AUSC Region 5 Games has now risen to three, thanks to an impressive showing by Special Olympics athletes Bafundzile Dlamini and Shagon Muhammad, who each claimed a medal in the long jump events yesterday.
Bafundzile earned herself a bronze medal after finishing third in the women’s category, while Shagon leapt to silver in the men’s event. Their success adds to the bronze medal previously won by Hayley Hoy in swimming, bringing hope for further podium finishes.
Team Eswatini Media Officer Dumisani Ntiwane confirmed the medal wins and praised the athletes for their determination and spirit.
“Special shout-out to our amazing Special Olympics athletes Bafundzile Dlamini and Shagon Muhammad, who soared to victory in the long jump at the AUSC Region V Games. Bafundzile claimed a bronze while Shagon leapt to a brilliant silver finish. Well done to them on their achievement and we will be hoping for more medals,” he said.
Elsewhere, it was a tougher day for other Team Eswatini athletes. The national netball team bowed out of the tournament after a 25–75 defeat to Zambia in their final group game, having also suffered losses to Malawi and South Africa earlier in the competition.
Meanwhile, in judo, Owethu Sibiya, competing in the under-60kg category, was knocked out after losing both his opening matches, ending his campaign in the tournament.
Despite these setbacks, Eswatini’s athletes remain determined as the games continue, with hopes of adding more medals to the tally.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader
