Introduction

I am a semi-retired 3x Olympic athlete with a bronze medal from the London Olympics 2012 and three World Championship medals. I have competed for South Africa at the highest level since 2006 in flatwater sprints, marathon, and some ocean racing too. I spent a lot of time training abroad in Hungary and Austria during my Olympic campaign. I am now focusing more of my energy on being a coach at a boys' school called Maritzburg College, where I coach boys from the ages of 14 to 18. I have taken one to the World Championships for marathon in 2024 and hope to get a medal with him this year and try for The World Games qualification as well as Olympic Games LA qualification as a coach.

Education

• High school matric 2001 
• Univeristy degree at the University of Pretoria with BA (HMS) in 2009

Professional activities

• Coach at a Boys High school for my 4th year 
• Secretary at the local Canoe Club 
• Owner of an air bnb room in my local town attached to my house.

Sports admin functions

• Chair of the ICF athetes commisson 
• Member of the South African Athletes commisson and vice chair in the previous term

Memberships

University RAG committee when I was studying

Awards

• South African Canoeing colours for a few years 
• South african Hall of Fame induction 2024 
• Finalist for the South african sports woman of the year 
• Winner of the Univerity sports woman of the year for afew years

Other activities

I was a member of the RAG (reach out and give) committee at the university. My portfolio was debutants and the final production, so I took the candidates to many charity organisations to show support

The World Games

10th and 12th Place in Flatwater Marathon at The World Games 2022

World Championships

3 Bronze Medals at the World Championships (2006–2021) in Flatwater Sprints, Marathon, and Ocean Racing

World Cup

1st, 3rd, and 3rd at the 2009 World Cup; 3rd and 3rd in 2021 – Flatwater Sprints and Marathon

Olympic Games

Olympic Games 2008, 2012, 2016 – Flatwater Sprint: Bronze Medal, Semifinalist, and B-Finalist (12th and 15th Place)

I love learning how the larger sports organizations work to support all sport codes. I aspired to be an IOC member through the athletes' committee and was a candidate during the Tokyo Olympics. This learning and networking environment brings together aspiring athletes to share stories, brainstorm, and discover new ideas to support the next generation. Topics like mental health and career transition are especially important to me as ways to help other athletes.

Q1 Why are you running as a candidate for the IWGA AC?

The ICF has 2 disciplines at The World Games. I would love to learn how I can be a part of the AC to help future athletes express their challenges and help them improve.

Q2 What experience do you have that you would bring to the IWGA AC?

I have been a part of my local AC for two terms and Chair of the ICF Athletes' Commission for three years. I have faced new challenges and gained experiences to share.

Q3 Why should your fellow athletes vote for you?

I would love to create a safe space for athletes to share information, as I am passionate about sport and the opportunities it gives to people from different countries, especially poorer nations.

Q4 What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an athlete?

Financial pressures while competing and being ill-prepared for the size of an Olympic Village—as it’s overwhelming. Living in Europe and being lonely sometimes, just to achieve my goals.

Q5 How did you become involved in sport?

My dad introduced me to sport, and a Hungarian coach spotted me in South Africa. I tried everything in school: netball, hockey, gymnastics, water polo, surfing, and cricket.

Q6 How has sport had an impact on your life?

I love the challenge that sport brings—the discipline, the perseverance, the goal-setting—and the friendships I’ve made from all over the world.

Q7 What would be your top three priorities if you were elected?

Help athletes improve in being more prepared for big competitions. Help them network with each other from different countries and sport codes. Share stories so we can all learn from each other.

Q8 Describe your personality in three words:

Sporty, optimistic, blonde

Q9 What are you passionate about?

Sport is an incredible place for people to express themselves and challenge their own limits while learning along the way.

Q10 Why is the athletes’ voice important to you?

The athletes’ voice is a platform to help other athletes have a better experience, as we face the same challenges.