Lucas Sithole up for South Africa’s Sports Star of the Year

The world’s No. 2 wheelchair tennis quads player is competing against able-bodied athletes for the top sports award in South Africa. 13 Nov 2013 By IPC

The public will choose the winner, and voting closes on Sunday. To vote, please dial *120*8883# in South Africa.

Wheelchair tennis star Lucas Sithole has been named one of five finalists for South Africa’s Sports Star of the Year award, which recognises the country’s top athlete across all sports – para or able-bodied.

The South Africa Sports Awards take place on Sunday (17 November), and for the top award, Sithole will be up against football player Itumeleng Khune, swimmer Chad Le Clos, cricket player Hashim Amla and runner Mapaseka Makhanya.

The triple amputee is currently ranked No. 2 in the world in the wheelchair tennis quads division and became the first African to win a Grand Slam title this year, claiming the US Open crown.

He has defeated all top 10-ranked players in the world this year, including world No. 1 David Wagner four times in six months. At 27, he already has 37 titles to his name and represented South Africa at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Sithole has also been nominated for Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, along with Hilton long jumper Langenhoven and handcyclist and marathon wheelchair racer Ernst Van Dyk.

The nominees for Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability include wheelchair tennis player Kgothatso Montjane, sprinter Ilse Hayes and cyclist Roxy Burns.

The public will choose the winner, and voting closes on Sunday. To vote, please dial *120*8883# in South Africa.