“Do it scared”: How Kim MacDonald is redefining limits on and off the track
From the track to the boardroom, this athlete is building a future defined by resilience and purpose.
From finding her footing on a running blade to chasing greatness on the track, Kim MacDonald is redefining what it means to rise above circumstance.
Her journey into athletics began in 2015, shortly after she received her prosthetic running leg. What started as a simple attempt to stay active soon became something far more meaningful. Between the emotional upheaval of her parents’ divorce and the transition to boarding school, sport became her refuge – a space where she could feel free, confident, and in control.
That spark turned into purpose two years later, when she qualified for the IWAS World Games in Portugal. Competing internationally opened her eyes to what was possible, igniting a belief that her future in athletics could stretch far beyond what she had imagined.
Specialising in the 100m and long jump, MacDonald has learned that success demands more than speed and power – it requires discipline. “Motivation comes and goes,” she said, “but discipline keeps you going.” Like many student-athletes, she faced the challenge of balancing varsity life with the demands of training, a transition she admitted was tough. Yet, she leaned into resilience, trusting the process even on the hardest days.
As an amputee athlete, she has often been underestimated. Instead of shrinking, she used those moments as fuel, not to prove others wrong, but to prove to herself just how capable she is.
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Now a graduate in human resource management from the University of Johannesburg, MacDonald stands at the intersection of ambition and purpose. While she is currently focused on building her professional career, her love for athletics remains unwavering.
More than medals, she hopes her legacy will be one of inspiration. For every young girl who feels limited or unsure, MacDonald’s message is simple yet powerful: step out of your comfort zone, even if it’s scary. Because beyond fear lies possibility – and the courage to rise.
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