The country salutes you, Kirsten Neuschäfer

At a time when good news is scarce and our national pride is overwhelmed by the negative events around us, Kirsten Neuschäfer has brought us something to smile about.

The 40-year-old professional sailor made history by becoming the first female mariner to win a solo round-the-world race, crossing the line in the Golden Globe event on France’s west coast late on Thursday, after more than seven months at sea.

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She dedicated her triumph to South Africa and to Nelson Mandela as our country marked Freedom Day.

“I love South Africa the way it is now and that’s thanks to him – his sacrifice was immense.”

She said her own freedom as a woman was being able to take part in that race, adding: “My mother’s generation, she couldn’t and women couldn’t back then, or the battle could have been a lot tougher.”

Neuschäfer had her final time reduced in recognition of her heroism in November last year, when she helped rescue a fellow competitor whose yacht was sinking.

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Her modesty, courage, dedication and discipline serve as timely reminders to all South Africans that there are exceptional people living among us – and we must celebrate them and encourage them to shine.

A country salutes you, Kirsten Neuschäfer.