Michelle Barnard (28) broke records at the National Transplant Games (NTG) in Gqeberha on the weekend of July 7 to 10.
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The Van Riebeeck Park resident, who received a liver transplant at the age of 19, said she has always been active in playing sports such as netball before she moved to athletics.
Barnard broke three national records in javelin, discus and shot put.
“I used to play action netball, however, this is not a sport offered at the NTG so I moved over to athletics in February this year,” said Barnard.
The three-time record breaker also qualified for the World Transplant Games to be held in Perth, Australia. in April 2023.
“I do, however, still have to re-qualify in the next month (August).
“This is when the final South African team will be announced.
“A training camp in Bloemfontein is scheduled for January,” she said.
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The organ recipient advocates for a healthy lifestyle for those who received organs and those still awaiting donations.
The defiant athlete is preparing to qualify for the South African team and although she is delighted to have broken records at the nationals she is still in need of sponsors for the trip to Australia.
“My liver failure was due to the wrong medication being prescribed and I fell ill very quickly.
“My condition went downhill rapidly.
“In a month I fell into a coma and had to have a liver transplant.
“I didn’t even know that I needed a transplant, to be honest, I just woke up with a new liver.
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“Before my transplant, I didn’t even know about organ transplants.
“Now I am a volunteer for the Organ Donor Foundation and take part in the NTG.
“My goal is to get a gold medal in all three of my events, however, I will be happy with a podium finish as this will be my first world games,” said Barnard.
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