It was a shining first-time experience for South Africa’s Yane van der Merwe at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix after she not only scored silver but simultaneously broke an African record!
Dubai, UAE (19 February 2024) — Yane van der Merwe made her first time at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix count in a big way with a stellar silver debut experience that’s added another record-breaking moment to South Africa’s tally.
Representing the country and her University (the University of Johannesburg) Yane who is a Sports Science Master’s student, made her wish to earn a podium placement come true while setting a new African record in the process.
During the discus class F44 (lower limb deficiency category), Yane made her power throw a star of the show with a whopping 31.88 metres. Despite narrowly missing the gold medal to Norway, Yane’s silver came with its own epic bonus—the new African record.
Although the result was not entirely what the para athlete wanted (as it is for any serious athlete where gold tends to be first prize) her University, city and country are incredibly proud of her achievement that has us even more excited for the Paralympic Games.
Yane has a powerful record of proud moments, including finishing in the top ten positions in shotput and discus in the World Championships last year as well as being part of the cohort who represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
She is also the African record holder in the T44 discus throw with 31.66m and the captain of the UJ Sports for Students with Disabilities Team.
Says Yane humbly: “I can only go up from here. I’m looking forward to this year’s Paralympic Games in Paris, France.”
Sources: University of Johannesburg
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