Gouws Claims Bronze as South Africa Opens Medal Account at Para Athletics Worlds
Image Source: Liezel Gouws (middle) lapping up her first Paralympic experience via TeamSA
Published by Everything ZA News
JOHANNESBURG – Liezel Gouws secured South Africa’s first medal at the 2024 Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan, on Friday. Gouws powered to a bronze medal finish in the Women’s 400m T37, a category for athletes with moderate movement and coordination limitations on one side of the body.
China’s Fenfen Jiang dominated the race, taking home the gold medal. Slanova Viktoriia, competing as a neutral athlete, finished second to claim silver. Gouws’ bronze marks a strong start for Team SA at the ongoing Championships.
This isn’t Gouws’ first taste of international success. The athlete made her international debut in 2013 and went on to etch her name in the record books by breaking the world record in the 800m T37 category twice, in 2015 and 2018.
The Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships, which began on May 17th, will continue until the 25th. Over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 nations are vying for glory across 171 medal events.
Team SA Athletes to Watch:
The competition promises to be exciting for South African fans, with a strong contingent of athletes representing the nation. Here are some of the other Team SA members to keep an eye on:
- Simone Kruger: Competing in the Women’s Discus Throw F38.
- Sheryl James: A multi-event athlete vying for medals in the Women’s 100m, 200m, and 400m T37 races.
- Louzanne Coetzee: Aiming for gold in the Women’s 1500m T11 (visually impaired).
- Mpumelelo Mhlongo: Looking to impress in the Men’s 100m T44 (amputee) and Long Jump T64.
- Ndodomzi Ntutu: Competing in the Men’s 100m T12 (visually impaired).
With Gouws’ podium finish and a strong Team SA contingent, South Africa has a promising chance to bring home more medals from the ongoing Para Athletics World Championships.
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