Yane van der Merwe

Started: She took up athletics at primary school and began competing in Para athletics in 2016. (msn.com, 21 May 2019; goodthingsguy.com, 10 May 2019) Reason: Her training partner introduced her to Para athletics. "I have been competing in javelin since I was 12 years old. I competed at school level against able-bodied competitors. Then I started with shot put in high school. But after she told my mother and me about it, we did some research and then I began competing in Para athletics." (msn.com, 21 May 2019; goodthingsguy.com, 10 May 2019) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (news.uj.ac.za, 15 Feb 2024) Awards: She was named Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability for 2022 at the Gauteng Women in Sports Awards in South Africa. (sabcsport.com, 05 Mar 2023) She won the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability Award at the 2021 Johannesburg Women in Sports Awards in South Africa. (news.uj.ac.za, 12 Oct 2021) Additional Info: FURTHER EDUCATION She has studied for a master's degree in sports management at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. "As an athlete of the Sports for Students with Disabilities [SSD] Club [at the University of Johannesburg], I am inspired by other club members who have completed their master's degrees. This has motivated me to continue my studies and also reach that level." (UJTV YouTube channel, 07 Jun 2024; goodthingsguy.com, 19 Feb 2024; news.uj.ac.za, 29 Mar 2023)