Olympic Long Jump Silver Medallist Luvo Manyonga’s Struggle with Drug Addiction and Financial Ruin

Olympic long jump silver medallist Luvo Manyonga’s remarkable athletic career took a dark turn as he openly discussed his battle with drug addiction and the rapid decline of his finances. The South African athlete revealed how he squandered a staggering R84 million in a short span of time.

The 33-year-old, who holds the African long jump record, shared his story on the show ‘I Blew It,’ shedding light on the series of unfortunate events that led to his downfall.

Manyonga’s life turned around after signing lucrative endorsement deals with sports giant Nike in 2017 and 2018, bringing in the substantial sum of R84 million. This was a stark contrast to his troubled past, which included a suspension in 2012 due to a positive test for crystal meth.

Following his ban, Manyonga admitted to continuing his drug use, leading to a downward spiral that culminated in criminal activities such as robbery. However, his fortunes changed when he relocated to Pretoria to train for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he clinched a silver medal.

With newfound success and wealth, Manyonga indulged in lavish spending on luxury cars, extravagant hotels, and extravagant parties. His excessive lifestyle included renting high-end vehicles at exorbitant rates, totaling up to R20,000 per day, and causing extensive damage to the cars.

Despite his initial good intentions of supporting his family and community, Manyonga’s addiction to drugs took precedence, leading to reckless behavior and financial irresponsibility. His close circle, including his sister Vuyiseka Manyonga and best friend Sphelele Kwaza, detailed the athlete’s extravagant spending on drugs, parties, and luxurious accommodations.

In 2021, Manyonga faced another setback when he was handed a four-year ban for a doping violation, further complicating his already troubled situation. The ban stemmed from missed drug tests and filing failures, which Manyonga attributed to his agent’s oversight in updating his whereabouts.

Despite the challenges he faces, Manyonga remains hopeful for a fresh start once his ban concludes at the end of this year. The athlete’s tumultuous journey serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive impact of drug addiction and financial mismanagement on even the most successful individuals.