Sannie set for Spain’s World Transplant Games
In January Sannie celebrated the 15th anniversary since her heart transplant took place.
Sannie Liebenberg has qualified for the 2017 World Transplant Games in Spain.
In January Sannie celebrated the 15th anniversary since her heart transplant took place.
The Toti resident underwent the successful operation at Entabeni Hospital on 22 January 2001 after a virus attacked her heart muscle.
She was fortunate to receive a heart from a donor in Paddock.
She was so healthy after her transplant, Sannie started power walking to keep fit and excelled so much, she represented South Africa in the three kilometre power walk three times at the World Transplant Games. She won two silvers and a bronze medal.
After her home games in Durban in 2013, where she won one of her silver medals, she decided to hang up her walking boots.
“As I turned 68 this year, I decided it was time to slow down. I thought I was too old and I can’t participate in the next games but I decided to enter and I qualified in the 3km power walk in Johannesburg at the weekend,” she said.
“I’m so happy I did. I had such an awesome time catching up with everyone. We are like a family.”
In the past 10 years, the plucky pensioner has only missed competing at two games. Her travels have taken her to Bangkok, Australia and Sweden to compete.
Her focus now is on hopefully winning yet another medal, this time in Malaga, Spain next June.
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