Swimming champion Natalie Du Toit has won the annual Laureus Disability award, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said on Wednesday.
Sascoc president, Gideon Sam said Du Toit, who lost her leg after a motorbike accident in 2001, had done South Africa proud over the years.
She is one of just five athletes to have competed in the Paralympics and Olympics, after swimming in both events in Beijing in 2008.
“All South Africans can be proud of her spirit and her never-say-die attitude.”
“She is a true inspiration to each and every athlete in this country, and the world, and we are hoping that she can build on this prestigious award as we look ahead to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in London,” Sam said.
“It is people like Natalie that provide the incentive for youngsters to aspire to greatness. She fully deserves this acknowledgement,” he said.
Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya congratulated Du Toit, saying “she continues to defy the limits”.
“She is breaking new ground, demonstrating the value of determination and hard work. South Africa is very proud of her for flying our flag in international sports through this latest achievement.”
“Her performance in both the Olympics and Paralympics proves that she is an outstanding sportsperson. She is breaking the barriers between disabled and able-bodied sport. Natalie is a role model to many people with disabilities, women and young people of our country,” Mayende-Sibiya said in a statement.
The Springbok rugby side was nominated in the Team of the Year category but lost out to the Formula One team Brawn Racing GP, said Sascoc.
“The mere fact that they were nominated means that the spotlight is still shining bright on our sports stars,” Sam said.
Jamaican super-sprinter, Usain Bolt, won his second Laureus Sportsman of the Year award and American tennis player, Serena Williams, won the women’s prize. — Sapa