Kempton Park transplant athlete Michelle Barnard wins gold at World Transplant Games
Barnard competed in four events: javelin, discus, ball throw, and shot put. She achieved three medals, gold and two bronze medals.
Kempton Park resident Michelle Barnard represented South Africa at the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany, in August.
Barnard competed in javelin, discus, ball throw, and shot put. She earned three medals: one gold and two bronze.
“I was overjoyed, as a lot of hard work went into my training.
“My medals are a symbol to honour my donor; without them I would not be here to tell my story, let alone win medals,” said Barnard.
She explained that her decision to participate was motivated by a desire to inspire others and raise awareness about organ donation.
ALSO READ: Local athlete claims Masters 3 title at WPC competition
“This victory proved to me that anything is possible if you believe and put in the work.
“I also realised I have what it takes to make a difference and have an impact,” she added.
Barnard underwent a full liver transplant in 2013 after acute liver failure caused by drug-induced liver injury.
Her health deteriorated rapidly, and she went into a coma before receiving an emergency transplant.
“I didn’t even know I had the transplant until I woke up.
“Thanks to this second chance, I’m able to do things that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” she said.
ALSO READ: From football to finish lines: Ekurhuleni athlete finds success on the track
Since her transplant, Barnard has taken part in the National Transplant Games, where athletes qualify for the world stage.
In 2024, she competed in the Cape Town event, which she described as an important stepping stone.
Balancing training with everyday life, she admitted, was not easy.
“Time management was a challenge. I have to give credit to my incredible husband, who helps with our little one and household chores so I can focus on training,” Barnard said.
She also acknowledged her coaches, Eben, Leon, and Hestiaan, for their encouragement and support, as well as the wider community for celebrating her achievements.
Barnard highlighted that anti-rejection medication weakens her immune system, making her prone to illness, but said her family, friends, and transplant team have helped her overcome most obstacles.
Reflecting on the Games, Barnard recalled two standout moments: the parade of nations at the opening ceremony and the circle of life at the closing.
ALSO READ: OR Tambo erupts in celebration as athletes return with medals from China
“At the closing, all the athletes stood in one big circle to thank their donors before coming together for one big group hug. I cried,” she said.
Barnard said her journey is about more than medals.
“I brought home more friends than medals. Meeting so many athletes, each with their own story, was amazing.”
Looking ahead, she plans to compete in the World Transplant Games in 2027 and hopes to join the masters division at her athletics club.
“After this Worlds, I’ve realised I want to achieve more.
“I’ll be training harder. I also want to educate more people about organ donation and transplant sports,” she said.
