Laxton’s daughter Kim confirmed that her mother was knocked down at the corner of Glenhove and Oxford roads on Sunday morning. She suffered multiple fractures, including shoulders, elbows, ribs, and in her ankle. She is currently in intensive care at the Milpark Hospital, where her condition has been described as “critical but stable”.
The driver of the vehicle sped off after the collision, but was arrested after an eye-witness provided police with the details of his vehicle.
“Sonja has been one of the most loyal supporters of the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge,” said Spar’s group marketing executive Mike Prentice. “She completed her 80th challenge when she took part in the Johannesburg race last month. No other runner has come close to taking part in as many of our races.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sonja, her husband Ian and daughter Kim. We know that Sonja is a very strong person, and we wish her a speedy recovery. We are confident that she will be back on the road in due course,” said Prentice.
Ian Laxton has confirmed that Sonja will undergo extensive reconstructive surgery.
Sonja Laxton is one of South Africa’s most popular athletes. Having competed in running for more than five decades, she has earned more than 70 national titles and broken 28 national records at various distances in track, road and cross country.
She was the first athlete, male or female, to be awarded national colours for all three disciplines.
