A surfer with cerebral palsy rode the wave to glory at a global competition coming home ranked No.2 in the world.
Noluthando Makalima, 31, from Khayelitsha is an adaptive surfer (AS) and just returned home after representing South Africa at the International Surfing Association World Paralympic Champs in Los Angeles.
Adaptive surfing allows disabled athletes to compete against and alongside able-bodied athletes.
Adaptive surfing is part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and was introduced to the disabled community of South Africa for the first time in 2011.
“I love surfing and surf every Wednesday and Friday at Muizenberg Beach.
“This was my first time (competing overseas) and I was so nervous but it was an amazing experience. I also met people from 21 different countries,” she says.
She’s been surfing since 2014 but only competed in her first local competition in May last year where she won a gold medal in the AS5 Women’s Division.
Although Noluthando walks with a crutch, she says she knew she could surf.
PROUD: Single mom competed against surfers from around the globe in the USA
“When we touched down in Los Angeles, everything was amazing. Me and my team (of 16) were extremely excited.
“We had a day or two (to practise) before the competition, which was from 11 to 15 March,” she explains.
The single mother competed in two heats against eight other countries, namely: Hawaii, Australia, Spain, France, England, USA, Brazil and Argentina.
“I had to work hard to win. The other women in my heat were all professionals and here I came along, a new person for the first time.
“When the announcement of the winners was made I could not believe it. I came second and won the silver medal. I was also ranked No.2 in the world,” a proud Noluthando says.
Australia took the gold medal while France took home the bronze.
Noluthando hopes to inspire others to go for their dreams.
“I believe there will be a lot of opportunities and doors that will now open up for me.
“To everyone with a dream, never underestimate yourself, go for it, you can do it,” she adds.
robin.francke@inl.co.za