Amanzimtoti athlete to take on World Transplant Games
The inspirational games that include athletes who have undergone an organ transplant, takes place in Spain from Sunday, 25 June to Sunday, 2 July.
Amanzimtoti’s superstar transplant athlete Sannie Liebenberg will aim to add yet another medal to her growing collection when she wings her way to the 2017 World Transplant Games later this month.
The World Transplant Games take place every two years, featuring a week of sporting events.
The inspirational games that include athletes who have undergone an organ transplant, takes place in the beautiful Mediterranean port city of Málaga, Spain from Sunday, 25 June to Sunday, 2 July.
Sannie underwent a successful operation at Entabeni Hospital on 22 January 2001 after a virus attacked her heart muscle. The Toti resident was fortunate to receive a heart from a donor in Paddock.
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Sannie was so healthy after her transplant, she 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 has won two silvers and a bronze medal and hopes to add to her tally in Spain.
“I had a small set-back during my preparations when my health took a turn, but I’m back to normal and have resumed my training,” said the inspirational pensioner.
“With 60 countries competing at this year’s games, compared to the usual 45, it will be the largest ever and I’m very excited to contest my fifth games.”
Sannie, who will turn 69 in October, is the oldest competitor in her age group in the SA team.
She qualified for the world games after excelling in last year’s national competition in Johannesburg.
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After her home games in Durban in 2013, where she won one of her silver medals, she decided to hang up her walking boots, but fortunately reversed the decision when she qualified for nationals.
In the past 10 years, she has only missed competing at two games and she has travelled to Bangkok, Australia and Sweden to compete. “I’m hoping to return with a silver medal.
“My goal is to catch the elusive gold medal in London in two year’s time. Then I will think about retiring from competing.
“But for now, I will have fun and do my best. I can’t wait to see all the friends I’ve made over the years at these games.”
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