In what world do athletes run marathons on crutches?
If SuperSport Real World Champion Ipeleng, 'Crazy Legs' Khunou had it his way, athletes living with disabilities would be given the licence and support to. After all, that is what he does.
The marathon runner and disability ambassador is the latest remarkable person Your World of Champions is placing on the podium for the country to celebrate as a Real World Champion.
A staple of Africa’s Biggest sports broadcaster’s 'In What World?' campaign, the Real World Champions series has, for almost a year, continually celebrated ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary things in sport and sport-related activities.
'Crazy Legs' is a worthy addition to a list of honourees that include recently crowned WBO Africa Flyweight champion and Africa’s number 1 ranked female boxer, Simangele 'Smash' Hadebe, as well as dancer extraordinaire and philanthropist, Nathi 'Mr NT' Ngwenya.
“I have the name 'Crazy Legs' because I do the things that I’m not supposed to do,” Khunou explains in the opening montage of his riveting Real World Champion episode, now also live on SuperSport’s YouTube page and on rotation across Your World Champion’s linear channels.
He was born with a rare condition called septo-optic dysplasia that affects his balance, speech, eyesight and movement, and has had to rely on crutches throughout his life.
However, they have never stopped him from wanting to be active, even when others put obstacles in his way.
TWO OCEANS
“What makes the crazy legs is me not having any fear to test myself against my limitation,” the inspirational athlete proclaims. A proclamation he has backed with conviction and courage.
He first grabbed the attention of South Africans when he competed in and completed the Sanlam Two Oceans Marathon in 2018. A sight to behold for many, but it wasn’t a spectacle Khunou intended, but to encourage public participation on crutches for him and his community of people living with disabilities.
On the now legendary 2018 run, Khunou says, “I think I got to understand what it means to be a runner. It gave me the opportunity not to be seen as someone who is less than a human being.”
His Real World Champion episode also gives viewers a glimpse of what it takes to be an athlete living with disabilities. The insight shed a light on the resilience, innovation and intentionality it takes to succeed as he has.
“I run marathons to mainly lobby for running on crutches.”
As it stands, there is no recognition for runners on crutches to compete in races as a formalised sporting discipline. Ipeleng has dispelled any notions that this is something that cannot be rectified.
His indefatigable spirit encapsulates what it means to be a Real World Champion, proving that the real world is where true greatness shines.
"We at SuperSport are very proud to have someone of Ipeleng’s stature in the community of people living with disabilities as a SuperSport Real World Champion," says Rendani Ramovha, Director of Sport Content English, and Portuguese-speaking Africa for MultiChoice, (a CANAL+ company).
“Ipeleng is the embodiment of what we value at Your World of Champions, with the selflessness of his journey a true reflection and validation of the importance of this series.”
LEADING THE CHARGE
With Disability Awareness Month (03 November – 03 December) 2025 coming up, SuperSport is gearing up to illustrate its support for athletes living with disabilities with Crazy Legs leading the charge.
Khunou’s disability ambassadorship extends beyond himself and onto the next generation as he looks to inspire and give hope to young children who are in his community.
“It’s important to educate and train kids just to give them that confidence. It doesn’t matter how they look or their stature. They also belong in the world,” says Khunou boldly.
Ipeleng truly is the beacon of light not only for his community but for everyone. With his story beautifully told, Your World of Champions, SuperSport is honoured to celebrate him and his achievements as a Real World Champion.
TELL US YOUR STORY
Do you consider yourself a Real World Champion, or know someone who is? We would love to hear your story.
To nominate your Real World Champion, send an email to realworldchamps@supersport.com with a submission of no more than 500 words, explaining why your candidate deserves to be profiled by SuperSport.
You can also interact with us on all your favourite social media platforms using the hashtags #RealWorldChampions #InWhatWorld and tag us at @SuperSporttv