South African Female Sportspersons

Two-time Olympic gold medalist middle-distance runner Caster Semenya in an intersex woman, with high testosterone levels. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was asked to take medication to decrease her testosterone levels, to participate in the 2021 Olympics women’s events, and filed a case in the European Court of Human Rights.

While she began her career as an international swimmer at 14, Natalie du Toit had her left leg amputated after a scooter accident. However, that didn’t deter her spirit, and she was the only disabled swimmer to compete at the Beijing Olympics. She has also won 13 Paralympic gold medals.

Zola Budd is a South African former athlete who used to compete in long-distance and middle-distance running. Budd represented Great Britain at the 1984 Olympic Games before representing South Africa at the 1992 Olympic Games. Zola Budd also took part in the 1985 and 1986 World Cross Country Championships, winning gold medals on both occasions.

Former professional tennis player, Ilana Kloss is also a tennis coach, and commissioner of World TeamTennis, since 2001. She was the World's No. 1 ranked doubles player in 1976 and World No. 19 in singles in the year 1979. Born in Johannesburg, the Jewish player won the US Open doubles and mixed doubles championship on the 35-and-over tour, in 1999. 

In spite of her short stature of 5’2”, tennis sensation Amanda Coetzer was named The Little Assassin for her aggression. She began training in tennis at age 6. In the 1990s, she stunned the world by defeating no. 1 tennis stars Steffi Graf, Lindsay Davenport, and Martina Hingis.

Educator Janet Smith is best remembered as the wife of former Rhodesian prime minister Ian Smith. Born to Scottish parents in Cape Town, Janet was a talented hockey player and later married a rugby player. Her first husband died in an accident during a rugby practice match.

South African star chess player Jesse February is best known for her 2016 title of Woman International Master. She has also won honors such as the Woman FIDE Master and teaches chess on the online chess platform Cochess. She also began the popular Twitch channel HashtagChess.

Being the daughter of former hockey player and coach Marian Marescia, it came as no surprise when Marsha Cox, nicknamed Nator, took up field hockey. The South African player has been the women’s team captain and is now settled in the Netherlands with her hockey coach husband Alexander.

Rhythmic gymnast Odette Richard was an Olympian and had also been part of the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships twice. Known for her vivacious performances and her coordination, she was coached by the likes of Maureen van Rooyen. She had an untimely death at age 32.

South African field hockey player Dirkie Chamberlain is an Olympian and also has an African Cup of Nations gold. She began playing hockey as a teenager and later played for clubs such as MOP Vught, Kampong Hockey, and HGC Ladies! She now plays for Holcombe and is also a fitness instructor.

Jade Howard is a Zambian swimmer who took part in the Women's 100 metre freestyle event at the 2012 Summer Olympics which was held in London. Although she was unable to qualify for the semifinals, Jade Howard finished 39th overall in the heats.