Luvo Manyonga, a South African long jump star and former world champion, is making a comeback at the age of 35 after a long hiatus from international competitions that lasted seven years. He is set to compete in the indoor World Championships taking place in Torun. Manyonga's career has been marked by significant achievements as well as severe setbacks, including two doping bans. He last competed internationally in December 2021, after completing the terms of his most recent ban and is now looking to reinstate his place in the sport.

Manyonga initially rose to fame by winning the junior world championship in 2010 and securing a fifth-place finish at the senior World Championships the following year. However, his career took a downward turn due to a struggle with methamphetamine addiction, resulting in a competitive absence from 2012 to 2014. He made a remarkable return in 2016 by winning a silver medal at the Rio Olympics, followed by a world championship title in London in 2017, where he recorded a personal best jump of 8.65 meters.

The issues with doping reemerged when Manyonga faced another ban after three missed tests within a 12-month period, equating to a positive result. This time, he was sidelined for four years, a substantial setback that has caused much speculation about his future in athletics. Nonetheless, Manyonga's participation in the indoor World Championships marks a significant step in his journey back towards high-level competition, and many will be keeping a close eye on his performance as he attempts to reclaim his status in the sport.