Mtuba’s multi-talented sportswoman
Mtubatuba's Brenda Houghton is no stranger to representing South Africa in the sports she enjoys.
FROM swimming to bocce and table tennis, Mtubatuba’s Brenda Houghton is no stranger to representing South Africa in the sports she enjoys.
Having reached the top of her swimming game in 2004 when she represented South Africa and walked away with an impressive seven medals, Brenda has since focused on ball sports, namely bocce and table tennis.
After winning gold in the provincial table tennis championships in October, Brenda secured her spot on the Proteas team to represent South Africa at the third IAADS (International Athletic Association for persons with Down Syndrome) World Championships.
The competition was also the first ITTADS (International Table Tennis Association for persons with Down Syndrome) World Championships and was held in November in Bloemfontein.
Amid tough competition from ten countries, including Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Costa Rica and Finland, Brenda had her work cut out.
True to form, however, she did a sterling job and walked away with two bronze medals.
Brenda thoroughly enjoyed this international experience and is looking forward to more competitions in the future.
She has attributed her achievements to hard work and training, with her ‘practice makes perfect’ attitude.
Brenda’s favourite sport is bocce, which she has also played competitively, and is hoping to play more of in the near future.
Originally from Mtubatuba, Brenda lives at the Sunfield Home in Howick but returns to her parents in Umfolozi for holidays.
