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HEIDELBERG. - Funerals, parties, weddings and taverns came to a standstill to welcome back 2008 Beijing Olympic silver medallist Khotso Mokoena in his hometown Rathanda on Saturday.

The 28-year-old long-jump superman received a hero's welcome from the Lesedi Local Municipality, Ekurhuleni and the Sedibeng District Municipality, who threw a massive party in Mokoena?s honour. This Olympian is the only South African athlete to have won a medal at the Beijing Olympics, which came to an end on Sunday.

At the OR Thambo International Airport, where hundreds of fans came to salute Mokoena, Mayor Hlongwane expressed immense pride on behalf of the Sedibeng District Municipality in Mokoena's achievements. He says that this feat means a lot in terms of sports development in Sedibeng.

"We are proud of what Mokoena has done for our region. Now our challenge is to focus more on sports development," says Hlongwane, who was all smiles as he stood next to Mokoena.

After the press conference, Mokoena was escorted to his home. He was riding in the streets of Rathanda on an open bus showing off his silver medal, much to the delight of his friends and family.

Mokoena, who was overwhelmed by his spectacular welcome, says that he feels honoured. "I want to thank government and all it?s people for supporting me," he adds. A jetlagged, but jubilant Khotso Mokoena now says that his focus is on the 2012 London Olympic Games and he says that there is no time to rest.

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