Pillay bettered the South African and African record in the men’s’ F42 with a heave of 13.91m to win the bronze medals.

It was Britain’s Aled Davies who reigned supreme with 15.95m to win the gold and break the Paralympic record.

The 36-year-old Pillay bettered his personal best twice during his performance in Rio.

Pillay says winning a medal is special but it’s all about inspiring younger athletes like Ntando Mahlangu.

“I think for me being a medallist is a big thing,” said Pillay.

“I never came here thinking about a medal. I just came here thinking about the process, making sure that I stuck to what we planned, what we processed all along.

“The medal is without a doubt the cherry on the top, breaking the South African and African record as well is the ultimate, I can’t even explain it to you.

“But I’ve never been defined by those moments. I always say it is how we inspire and motivate the next generation.

“I remember when Ntando (Mahlangu) came to me when he was 10 years old through our jumping kids project.

“We gave him the support and belief to become who he is today and I still think there is so much more for him to achieve.”

Unfortunately South Africa’s wheelchair tennis star lost in the semi-finals of the tennis to the world number one, Dylan Alcott of Australia.

Alcott beat Sithole 6-0, 6-3 to book his spot in the final against Britain’s Andy Lapthorne.

Sithole is, however, still in for a shout to win a medal when he faces the USA’s David Wagner in the bronze final.

Morgan Piek/OFM News