Natalie du Toit
Natalie du Toit
Natalie du Toit OIGis a South African swimmer. She is best known for the gold medals she won at the 2004 Paralympic Games as well as the Commonwealth Games. She was one of two Paralympians to compete at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing; the other being table tennis player Natalia Partyka. Du Toit became the third amputee ever to qualify for the Olympics, where she placed 16th in the 10K, "Marathon", swim...
NationalitySouth African
ProfessionAthlete
Date of Birth29 January 1984
attention boxer gave morning puppy
My parents gave me a boxer puppy as a present. I have wanted a dog for years and must first give her attention in the morning.
awards lucky time travel
I've been lucky enough to travel the world and win awards and medals, but it was time to stop.
I just missed out on qualifying for the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
I have a strong upper body; I'm an arms swimmer, and I always have been.
By 9:30 at night, I go to bed.
Back in my mind, I never, ever wanted to give up swimming; it was something that I would carry on with.
love
Swimming is my passion and something that I love.
behind desk life phase school
It is wonderful to say that your days behind a school desk are over. It's just another phase in your life.
girls situation sports
The situation in disability sport is growing, and girls like Ellie Cole are doing wonders.
I think I've achieved everything I wanted to.
climbed games mount olympic
Qualifying for the Olympic Games was one of those moments where you just cry because it was like you've climbed Mount Everest.
I say, 'If I'm able to go out there and achieve a dream, then anybody can do it.'
achieve dreams hard work
You have to work hard for what you want to achieve and you have to set goals and dreams and really go for them.
work
My message is not just to disabled people, but to everyone: You have to work hard.