While most matric girls worry about their hair and heels for their farewell, Danielle Jonker had something else on her mind: To inspire other women.

The Danie van Zyl wrestler, who is the current SA Women’s Wrestling Champion and SA Beach Wrestling Champion, celebrated her matric farewell in a photoshoot that captured many hearts.

In one moment, she is the picture of elegance in her matric farewell dress. In the next, she is on the wrestling mat in that same dress, showing the strength that made her a national champion.

Sharing her story with the Roodepoort Record, she said she started wrestling in 2021 and wanted to use her matric farewell to inspire other women that anything is possible in this male-dominated sport.

“I was encouraged to start wrestling because of my love for the sport and the challenge of pushing myself beyond my limits. I got bullied all my life, and that took a massive part of my life, and it took lots of my confidence and broke me completely.

“But when I started wrestling, it showed me that no matter what other people say, I can become who I want to be, and it made me the person I am today,” she said.

She also said the moment was particularly meaningful to her, as wrestling has helped her grow as a person, build confidence and develop discipline and perseverance. She is grateful for the opportunities she has received and the support of her coach, whom she regards as a mentor and father figure. She added that she was proud of how far she had come and excited about what the future holds.

What made her day extra special was her escort for the event. The young champion was escorted by Roodepoort AfriForum security and other professional security guards.

“She wanted her farewell to mean something,” her mom, Michelle, said. “It’s not just about a dress. It’s about 12 years of school, years of early mornings on the wrestling mat, and proving that girls don’t have to choose between being strong and being feminine. You can be both.

“This club built her. Her coach and teammates became brothers and sisters. We wanted to honour them in her farewell, because every medal she has is theirs too.”

Danielle added that she hopes to continue improving her skills, compete at higher levels and represent her club and South Africa with pride. She also hopes to inspire other young women to believe in themselves, persevere through challenges and pursue their dreams, regardless of whether a sport is traditionally viewed as male-dominated.