South Africans continue to excel globally, proudly bringing home medals and titles.
According to News24, the latest achievement comes from the illustrious Wimbledon Championships, where Kgothatso Montjane, partnering with Japan’s Yui Kamiji, secured the women’s wheelchair doubles title in a showcase of talent and perseverance.
Kgothatso, synonymous with resilience and excellence in wheelchair tennis, has again made South Africa proud.
Born in Seshego near Polokwane, Limpopo, Montjane has overcome extraordinary challenges, including a congenital disorder affecting her hands and feet, with one foot amputated by age 12.
Despite this, she has become one of the top wheelchair tennis players globally.
With 29 singles titles and numerous doubles victories, Montjane’s career showcases her incredible talent and tenacity.
She has reached the top 10 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings, peaking at number 5 in 2005, and has been named South Africa’s Disabled Sportswoman of the Year three times.
Kgothatso has also represented South Africa in the Paralympic Games in 2008, 2012 and 2016. Kgothatso’s first Wimbledon title is especially sweet after last year’s near miss.
Kgothatso and Yui Kamiji defeated the French pair Diede De Groot and Aniek van Koot, 6-4, 6-4.
The duo triumphed over the Dutch pairing with a straight-sets victory.
This victory marks Kgothatso’s third doubles Grand Slam title, solidifying her legacy in the sport.
‘We are just happy that this year we managed to fight for it (like she said); it’s been a tough week playing each other and having to put our heads together to play doubles. It hasn’t been an easy one. But other than that, we are happy to be playing here and for the crowd for staying cause when you watch, the sport grows, so thank you for coming through. And I just want to thank my support back home,’ Kgothatso shared.
Kgothatso’s Wimbledon triumph is a proud moment for South Africa, inspiring others with her perseverance and dedication.
As a role model, she shows that determination makes anything possible. Her success highlights South Africa’s potential, and we look forward to more victories from our champions.
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First Published by: Cape Town ETC
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