Golden times for athlete Susan du Bruyn
Susan qualifies to compete in the World Games in Toronto, Canada in 2020, finances permitting.
Susan du Bruyn of Manaba is something of a South Coast treasure when it comes to athletics.
She’s a member of the Ugu Athletics Club and recently broke two South African records at the South African Masters Athletics Track and Field and Road Walking Championships, held in Bloemfontein.
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On the first day, she won gold and set a new SA record in her age group in the pentathlon, which comprises hammer throw, discus, javelin, shotput and weight throw.
The next day she won gold in discus and weight throw, setting a record in the latter.
The following day she earned a silver medal in the hammer throw.
Susan turned 70 in March this year. “There’s no hiding your age, it’s on your vest,” she said.
She qualified for national colours in the pentathlon, hammer throw, discus, shotput and weight throw.
She only one she missed out on was the javelin. “It’s not my favourite, I need someone to coach me,” she laughed.
Susan qualifies to compete in the World Games in Toronto, Canada in 2020, finances permitting.
While she loves athletics and being part of the competition, there is no doubt as to what motivates her.
“God has blessed me so much. I gain inspiration from the scripture, Matthew chapter 6 vs 33: ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you’,” she explained.
A highlight of the trip to Bloemfontein was the wonderful support she received from family in the area.
She was also more than a bit surprised to have done so well as she’s come off a four-year break and a shoulder operation.
Ironically, perhaps, considering her faith, the scar on her shoulder looks a lot like a cross.
For now, she’s enjoying the field events while her body is still strong enough, but has admitted that, as she gets older, she may consider reverting to another of her skills – speedwalking.
She already has national colours for this, having competed for SA in Puerto Rico in 1983.
When she’s not competing, she works as a counsellor, doing her best to help others.
She also thanked all those who had made her trip to Bloemfontein possible, friends, family and sponsors.
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