Editor’s word: On continues to impress with a collection of international athletes. On is a worldwide model, and as such, they’re constructing ambassadors across the globe to showcase On. That is what actual operating manufacturers do to construct model assist and picture.
The 17-year-old dash sensation turns into the second South African sprinter to signal with the Swiss sportswear model, following Lythe Pillay.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – June 8, 2026: On is proud to announce the signing of triple African U18 Champion Mukona “Smiley” Manavhela to its international athlete roster. The 17-year-old South African dash sensation, who trains out of the famend athletics pipeline at Curro Hazeldean underneath elite coach Thabo Matebedi, joins On’s increasing workforce of world-class observe and discipline icons.
Manavhela has quickly established himself as one of the vital explosive younger sprinters on this planet. He turned heads on the worldwide circuit by decreasing his private bests to a blistering 10.14 seconds within the 100m and 20.45 seconds within the 200m. His standing as a rising worldwide star was cemented on the continental stage on the 2025 CAA African U18 & U20 Championships, the place he claimed three gold medals—sweeping the 100m, 200m, and medley relay titles. Together with his signature mix of uncooked velocity, deep work ethic, and the infectious optimistic angle that earned him the nickname “Smiley,” Manavhela represents the way forward for international observe and discipline.
His journey to the highest of the observe started with a pivotal transition in his sports activities profession. Initially focusing his abilities on rugby, Manavhela made the aware resolution to step away from the pitch to regulate his personal future on the straightaway.
“I received into sprinting after a call to maneuver away from rugby,” says Manavhela. “I felt I may make a much bigger influence on the observe, so I took an opportunity on operating. What began as a alternative has become a ardour for pushing my limits and seeing how far I can go within the sport.”
In partnering with On, Manavhela joins a model that mirrors his forward-looking, progress-obsessed mentality. On’s dedication to premium, innovation-led efficiency gear aligns completely together with his skilled trajectory.
“I selected On as a result of it seems like a model that matches the place I’m going, not simply the place I’m,” explains Manavhela. “It’s revolutionary, performance-driven, and targeted on progress. I wish to be a part of one thing that pushes boundaries in sport, and On represents that mindset for me.”
Athlete Supervisor at On, Silja Mühlebach, shared the sentiment, recognizing that Manavhela embodies the precise mix of elite expertise, disciplined time administration, and human spirit the model appears for.
“Mukona’s explosive velocity and his triple continental titles converse volumes about his pure expertise, however it’s his intentional mindset that makes him a unprecedented addition to the On household,” says Silja Mühlebach, Athlete Supervisor at On. “His journey of selecting his personal path, overcoming adversity on the observe, and dedicating himself to relentless progress aligns completely with our ethos. We’re thrilled to welcome ‘Smiley’ to the workforce and to assist his aspirations.”
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