Natalie's final swim

The inspiring Natalie du Toit

Natalie du Toit is one of the most inspiring athletes South Africa has  ever seen. She is a 10^th time Paralympics Gold Medallist. She earn five gold medals in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 200m individual medley and a silver medal in the 100m backstroke at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and yet she raise some concerns for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

 The reason for the concerns is because she wants to end her career with a big bang, receiving gold for all her swimming events. As we know her and the reputation she build up, it is not impossible to achieve her goals. All the friend, family and even the nation support behind her she can certainly have a successful final Olympic Games. She has such a great career as a South African swimmer and the inspiring moments she had in the world swimming pool really put South Africa’s name on the map.  

 

Natalie swimming for victory

Oscar Pistorius, crossing the line

Oscar Pistorius

He is one of, not only South Africa’s most inspiring athletes, but in the world as well. He is such a great inspiration for athletes to go out and reach their dreams and to achieve their goals in live, no matter what the conditions may be.  But was the 2012 London Paralympics’ men 200m finals one too many? He caused big controversy last week at the finals when he accused his opponent of having an unfair advantage because his blades were longer than the other blades. Pistorius came in second place after Brazils’ Alan Fonteles Cardoso Oliveira with a time of 21.52.

 Because of this shocking result he was furious, telling the cameras that: “we aren’t racing a fair race.” www.news24.com/oscarpistorius. This statement, coming from a man who had to fight a long and hard battle to convince the panel that he does not have an unfair advantage in competing in the non-disabled Olympic Games. Pistorius wants to be known as an athlete, not disabled but able, not a cheat but a role model who inspire the world. Was this statement then merely a response of defeat or is there a change of heart taking place? Oscar Pistorius may have lost a little ambition during that race but the 2012 London Games and the spectators of the Games have gained a memory that will never be lost and will be remembered for many years.