South Africa's leading triathlon company, Orca South Africa, has welcomed Mhlengi 'Slyza' Gwala into their sponsored athlete circle.
Gwala grew up in the rural area of Emaphephetheni, where he completed his Matric. He had good intentions of studying through UNISA, but the life of partying with drugs and alcohol got the better of him, he landed up in hospital due to liver failure in 2009, and he didn't complete his studies. This was the turning point in his life. He had a passion to be a lifeguard and joined the Marine Lifesaving Surf Club in Durban and started swimming. This was where his love for swimming began and it was a natural progression to triathlon.
Triathlon has saved Gwala's life in many ways. He has ditched the party life and follows a healthier lifestyle with a more positive outlook on life. Gwala survived a vicious handsaw attack in 2018, this horrific incident did not dampen his spirits, but only made him stronger and more determined to live out his dreams. Gwala won his category in the SA Para-Triathlon Championships this year in Bloemfontein and finished second overall. Gwala then qualified for the African Championships held in June 2021, winning the race held in Egypt. This has ignited an ambition of his competing at the Paralympics in Tokyo later in the year.
He has been a fan of Orca since he started triathlon, and Fluidlines, the official distributor for Orca, has seen a true champion, both on and off the race circuit. Fluidlines believes in, and supports his core values.