fortunate that my coach was there to help me,” du Toit admits. With tenacity and perseverance, du Toit put in every effort and qualified for several events in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Athens. She competed in the 800 m nondisabled event and placed eighth, making the finals. This achievement served as a stepping stone and morale booster for du Toit, reassuring her that she was still capable of competing with nondisabled competitors, even at the international level. At the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, du Toit earned her first gold medal in the 100 m butterfly event, marking a new stage in her Paralympic career. Her success continued at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, where she won an impressive total of five gold medals. Du Toit dominated the competition in various swimming events, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. Decorated and celebrated, du Toit exited the world stage, knowing she had given her all to the sport. “I walk away from the sport being able to say that for twelve years, I was the top in 100 m butterfly, 100 m backstroke, 100 m breaststroke, 200 m individual, 400 m freestyle, 800 m freestyle, 1500 m freestyle, 5 km, 10 km, and I kinda walked away from the sport knowing that I couldn’t give more,” she says. At the end of her impressive career, du Toit earned thirteen Paralympic medals—ten gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal—earned across multiple events. Her success in nondisabled competitions further solidified her legacy as one of the most decorated swimmers in history. Du Toit attributes her victories to those around her, including her mother, coach, manager, team, and all others who made her successful career world-class. Her victories are a testament to the remarkable guidance and encouragement she received from those around her and her sheer talent and determination. Her story inspires athletes and non-athletes around the world.
ACHIEVEMENTS
50 m S9 freestyle swimming gold medal Paralympics (2008) 400 m S9 freestyle swimming gold medal Paralympics (2008) 200 m SM9 individual medley swimming gold medal Paralympics (2008) 100 m S9 freestyle swimming gold medal Paralympics (2008) 100 m S9 butterfly swimming gold medal Paralympics (2008) 100 m freestyle swimming EAD (multi-disability) gold Commonwealth Games (2006) 50 m freestyle swimming EAD (multi-disability) gold Commonwealth Games (2006) 100 m S9 backstroke swimming silver medal Paralympics (2004) 100 m S9 butterfly swimming gold medal Paralympics (2004) 100 m S9 freestyle swimming gold medal Paralympics (2004) 200 m SM9 individual medley swimming gold medal Paralympics (2004) 400 m S9 freestyle swimming gold medal Paralympics (2004) 50 m S9 freestyle swimming gold medal Paralympics (2004) 800 m freestyle swimming gold medal All-Africa Games (2003) 800 m freestyle swimming silver meda Afro-Asian Games (2003) 400 m freestyle swimming bronze medal Afro-Asian Games (2003)”
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