Bianca Taljaard has made history by becoming the first woman president of a provincial wrestling association in South Africa.
She was elected as president of the Central Gauteng Wrestling Association (CGWA) recently and considers it a great honour.
“Not only was I selected as the first female president in the history of Central Gauteng, I am also the first female president of any wrestling province in South Africa,” Taljaard explained.
“I am a vibrant, hard-working and ambitious individual and when I set my mind to something, I not only want to complete it, I want to be the best, and complete it to the best of my abilities. I can truly say that at the age of 27 this is an achievement worthy of note.”
Taljaard is one of five women in CGWA’s executive committee.
“I volunteer as referee at local wrestling events, and hail from the Bears Wrestling Club at Marks Park Sports Club. I am a qualified attorney in my professional capacity.”
She believes she is qualified to lead a strong and passionate team for the next four years.
Her plans include promoting the sport and make it known and accessible to the public at any age.
This would require promoting the sport at school and tertiary education level.
“I would like to encourage more people from all walks of life and no matter their background to participate in the sport, be it wrestlers, coaches, referees, medical staff, supporters… At this stage I believe wrestling is in a good space in South Africa, however, there is much room for improvement,” Taljaard concluded.
