Chanelle van Zyl eyes first title at Disability Nationals
Krugersdorp’s own Chanelle van Zyl takes her relentless drive from the Paralympic stage to the greens of George, chasing national glory.
Krugersdorp Bowling Club continues to represent the town in spectacular fashion, as one of its own prepares to compete at the Disability Nationals for lawn bowls, taking place in George from 11 to 18 April.
Chanelle van Zyl, one of the club’s standout players, will be aiming to fly the West Rand flag high.
According to Chanelle, the tournament brings together physically disabled athletes from across South Africa to compete in this prestigious annual event. She has been involved in the sport for seven years and will compete in the B7 category for bowlers. This category includes ambulant or wheelchair bowlers with minor balance impairments, typically losing fewer than five points on a technical assessment. Although these athletes have a permanent disability, they have minimal functional limitations and are able to bowl a full-length end.
Before taking up lawn bowls, Chanelle participated in several other sports, particularly athletics – competing in shot put, discus and javelin. She has represented South Africa at four Paralympic Games: 2004 Athens Paralympics, 2008 Beijing Paralympics, 2012 London Paralympics and 2016 Rio Paralympics. In addition, she has competed at three World Championships: 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships, 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, and 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships.
Despite a demanding full-time job, Chanelle remains dedicated to her preparation, following a detailed game plan for matches as she sets her sights on claiming her first title at the tournament.
“Due to working full-time during the week, I only have weekends to play and practise. I also keep physically fit by swimming after work and going to the gym three times a week. The rest is mental practice and visualisation, which for me is a very important part,” she said.
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Regardless of the outcome, Chanelle views the tournament as an opportunity to grow and refine her skills.
“I still treat it as if I am in the beginning phase of lawn bowls. I fully believe in giving it my all, never giving up on my dreams, and one day making the South African disabled team,” she concluded.
