About Us
About Kirsty
My Journey, My Dream, My Story
I wasn’t always the girl chasing finish lines. In fact, in my first road race, I came stone last — running alongside my mom, wondering why anyone would call this “fun.”
But something changed. Growing up as the youngest of three girls in a family where my mom and sisters were already pounding the roads, I didn’t want to be left out. Slowly, running moved from obligation to obsession. By my teens, I was setting Border junior and senior records in the 10 km and 21.1 km, earning provincial colours, and even winning the Knysna Half Marathon.
Unexpected Diagnosis
At 19, I crossed the ocean for a four-month scholarship at Western State College in Colorado, USA. I left with “All American Colours” — awarded to the top 20 runners in the nation — and a heart that knew sport would always be part of my story. From there, I threw myself into triathlon and duathlon, representing South Africa at world championships in Canada, winning African and South African titles, and even tackling the Ironman — despite having never swum competitively before.
Then came the wall I never saw coming.
Thirteen years ago, during a training run, I couldn’t feel my left leg. That moment began a long, frustrating journey through countless doctors, unanswered questions, and days clouded by migraines, fatigue, and pain. Eventually, in December 2020, I had a name for my battle: neurological lupus.
The Comeback
Many would have walked away from sport. I couldn’t.
I fought back — slowly at first, then with renewed determination. I rebuilt my training, adapted my technique, and rediscovered the joy of competing. In 2022, I claimed the South African para-triathlon and para-duathlon titles in the PTS5 classification. In 2023, I defended those titles, won golds in Spain, Germany, and Italy in the PTS3 division, and improved my world ranking from 11th to 2nd.
And then came the race of a lifetime: representing South Africa at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, finishing 8th in the women’s PTS4 triathlon. Standing on that start line, after all the detours, was proof that the fight had been worth it.
Beyond Sport: Speaking and Advocacy
But my journey isn’t only about medals. I’ve learned that setbacks can be springboards, and the real race is often fought in the mind and heart. That’s why I’m as passionate about sharing my story from the stage as I am about chasing the next finish line. Whether it’s a boardroom, a school hall, or a conference centre, I speak about resilience, courage, and finding a way through — over, under, or around — the walls we face.
Now, my eyes are set firmly on the Commonwealth Games 2026 and LA 2028 Paralympics. The training is intense, the sacrifices are real, and the road ahead will demand every ounce of grit I have. But I know I’m not running it alone. Every supporter, sponsor, and cheer in the crowd carries me forward.
