SWIMMING NEWS - Another great honour has been awarded to the 20-year-old swimmer, Minke Janse van Rensburg, George's swimming champion with Down syndrome.
Janse van Rensburg has been named a finalist for the prestigious SA Sport Awards in the category sportswoman of the year with a disability.
The announcement was made on SABC 2 at 22:00 on Wednesday night, 6 August.
The evaluation period for the awards spanned from January to December 2024, and Janse van Rensburg is one of only three finalists in her category.
This isn't her first time receiving this level of recognition - she was also named national sportswoman of the year with a disability in 2023.
A family honour
The nomination is a proud moment for the Janse van Rensburg family. "Minke has had an exceptional year - especially at international level, but also nationally. She has won 23 gold medals and set 16 new national records," says her father, Hennie.
On the international stage, Minke has broken eight world records and earned five gold medals at both the European Swimming Championships and the Trisome Games World Swimming Championships, along with five silver and one bronze medal.
Minke and her coach, Josua Vorster (left), and Franna Vorster of the Garden Route Swim Club. Photo: Deidre Cloete
More than medals
"It's important for us that people understand her performance in the context of competing against other athletes with Down syndrome - but also note that she doesn't only swim in those events. At national swimming galas under Swimming South Africa, Minke competes against swimmers without disabilities as well," her father explains.
"We are extremely proud of her. Minke is not only a role model for athletes with disabilities - she is an inspiration for everyone."
On to the world stage
Minke's journey continues as she prepares to represent South Africa at the Virtus World Championship in Bangkok, where she will compete from 20 to 30 August. She departs for Thailand on 17 August.
During the championship, she hopes to achieve qualifying times that could place her on the official world rankings, paving the way towards potential selection for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
In her happy place, like a fish in water! Photo: Deidre Cloete
Minke's smile is as bright as her medals. Photo: Deidre Cloete
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
