BEIJING— Natalie Du Toit, a world-class open water swimmer from South Africa who also has a below-the-knee amputation, placed 16th today in the first-ever 10K (6.2 mile) open-water event. She is the first amputee to swim in the Olympic Games. Earlier this year, she finished fourth in the world championship held in Spain. Du Toit previously won six medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. She says she will begin preparing for the Beijing Paralympics (starting 07 September) where she will compete in 50m, 100m and 400m freestyle events and the 100m butterfly, 100m backstroke, and 200m individual events. Du Toit also plans to compete in the 2012 London Olympics, aiming for a top-5 finish in the open-water event. Another athlete with a disability, Natalia Partyka from Poland whose right arm ends just below her elbow, will compete in the both Olympics and Paralympic table tennis events.
SOURCES:
“Make Your Dreams Reality, Insists Amputee du Toit”
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jEn6mItAQ3DcFe42EmK7Mlle5Nlg
“Amputee Swimmer Finds Herself in Water”
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/20/content_9540599.htm
“One-legged Swimmer Takes to Olympic Waters”
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/08/19/onelegged.swimmer.ap/
RELATED:
Ray Hartley, the editor of The Times South Africa and http://www.thetimes.co.za/ has an interesting blog entry about du Toit:
http://blogs.thetimes.co.za/hartley/2008/08/20/natalie-du-toit-a-lesson-for-south-africa/
SOURCES:
“Make Your Dreams Reality, Insists Amputee du Toit”
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jEn6mItAQ3DcFe42EmK7Mlle5Nlg
“Amputee Swimmer Finds Herself in Water”
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/20/content_9540599.htm
“One-legged Swimmer Takes to Olympic Waters”
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/08/19/onelegged.swimmer.ap/
RELATED:
Ray Hartley, the editor of The Times South Africa and http://www.thetimes.co.za/ has an interesting blog entry about du Toit:
http://blogs.thetimes.co.za/hartley/2008/08/20/natalie-du-toit-a-lesson-for-south-africa/
22 comments:
I really enjoyed this story.
Sandy H.
In Natalie Du Toit's article she says, "my message isn't just to disabled people, but to everyone out there - you have to work hard to make your dreams reality." When reading this article I was reminded of the saying that "if something was easy, everyone would do it." Natalie's accomplishment doesn't only speak to people with disabilities, but to people without disabilities as well. No matter what we choose to accomplish, there is sure to be some obstacle or hard road we have to overcome, but if you want it enough, you can get there. Reading about Natalie's dream and the type of determination she possesses to train for not one, but two olympics, reminded me how much I want to accomplish the goals I have set for myself. I think we could all benefit from learning and having the same type of work ethic, determination, and will that Natalie has definitely proven to have.
Laura E.
I think it's an eye opener because we often set limitation on someone who has an amputation or a disability that we overlook the idea of having such great goals as this. We often set limitation on ourselves and run into obstacles that delay our ultimate goal but often we just need to be dedicated and push foward.
Jessica M.
Mariana GG
Natalie du Toit has a very inspirational story. She seems to have accepted her disability and turn it into a positive experience. I know it may be a little harder to adapt to the disability when this one is acquired, however, Natalie seem to have done it positively. It is great to know that she has won a number of medals and that she has a disability.
I am sure her story will have a great impact on those people with disabilities who think they cannot achieve their dreams. As we know, society has created many stereotypes not only on disability status but base on gender as well. On the other hand, I see Natalie as having to face two barriers. The first one is the fact she is a woman and the second one is that she has a disability. Society in general usually does not expect as much from woman ,even thou this is slowly changing, as from a man. Well, Natalie has certainly broken those negative stereotypes and has replaced them by showing independence, decision and a positive attitude. It is very ironic that some years ago, people with disabilities were seen as a disgrace to the family or the result of sin. Now, we can proudly say that a woman who had part of her leg amputated has become a medallist and has competed with the best of the best.
Natalie Du Toit's article should be inspirational to able and disabled people; because we often are afraid to dream, afraid of failure, and so we give up. Natalie was told that this dream of hers would be impossible, but from the start she's being a winner because she never gave up on herself nor on her dream, months after her tragedy she got back in the pool.
This article on Natalie brought back memories about my own son whom at the age of ten developed epileptic seizures; he was getting ready to test for his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and there was an instructor/olympic doctor interested in training him for the olympics, but now doctors were telling us he would no longer be able to practice his martial arts. He was devastated, his whole world had just crumbled under him, but I could not allow him to feel that way, so I told him to think positive for he could still reach his dream to become a martial arts instructor and could teach others the arts he so loved. Today he is a third degree black belt instructor teaching today's youths the art, does private lessons, and continued to compete in tournaments, winning many trophies, but mostly proving to himself never to give up!
Natalie says it best, " keep your dreams and never give up". No doubt about it, Natalie will go high places in life and upcoming olympic games!
Teresa E.
Commenting on Laura E.'s comments; I couldn't agree more with you about obstacles and hard roads to overcome in our lives, but that's right...how bad do we want these accomplishments, is how hard we are willing to go after them. Believe in yourself Laura and never give up, for all is possible if you want it bad enough.
Teresa E.
Rosie G
Natalie Du Toit’s participation in the Beijing Olympic Games is significant because of the barriers she is helping to dismantle. Although she is not the first athlete with a disability to compete in the Olympics, her participation hopefully will help change the public’s perception of persons with disabilities. Elite athletes such as Du Toit bring much needed visibility and awareness to the abilities of athletes with disabilities. Although the Paralympic Games allow athletes to demonstrate their talents, it is not the same as competing alongside able-bodied athletes in the same events. The Olympics are televised on prime time, whereas the Paralymics are not. Despite growing awareness of disabilities, many athletes are still not welcomed to participate in many sporting events. It is my belief that if an individual with a disability has the talent; she or he should be allowed to compete with able-bodied athletes. Du Toit, Partyka, and Runyan (first athlete with a visual impairment to compete in Olympics) are just a few examples of athletes with disabilities who are demonstrating that a disability is not a barrier to competing in elite sports.
I normally don't watch the olympics but this year a friend of mine was hounding me bout watching them so i did and in between the events they would show mini stories about people with disabilities making an impact and competing in the olympics; and one of the stories was Natalie Du Toit and i was left in admiration' "wow look at her go!". I'm sure some told her she couldn't do it; but SHE DID! I dont really know how to explain it but it felt good to see her compete and go against the odds; such inspiration. I'm glad i watched the olympics this year!
Crystal O.
Forgot to add something; well after I read Ray Hartly, which i should have done before writing the other. Anywho, I like what Mr. Hartly said in his article about Du Toit, "Swimming with one leg against the world’s finest athletes, Natalie has become the role model that this nation badly needs." Not only Africa but every nation. i think that is such a powerful statement; she did compete wit the finest athletes, wow again! ok i'm done
crystal o.
Natalie Du Toit's would be a great person for children, as well as other people, to talk to. The reason for that is because by her having a disability and competing in the olymics shows that all things are possible. Everyone can accomplish their goal no matter if he or she has a disability. She never gave up and kept trying her best even though she had a leg amputated. I was watching the olympics and during a break they started talking about her and how good of a swimmer she is. I was so amazed of how well she swam and how she made it to the olympics. That goes to show you anyone can accomplish their goals. As long as they set their mind to it and never give up everything will go great.
Tracy S.
WOW I am speechless. Many people with four limbs put excuses for themselves of not being able to accomplish something. What is so astonishing is that this individual set a goal and has been doing it very well, not letting her disability discourage her. I am truly impressed because people like her keep my head up.
Raquel M.
I know many persons with disabilities do not like for other people to tell them their courageous or inspirational but after reading this article it is all I have to say about Natalie Du Toit. Not only does Natalie serve to inspire many persons with disabilities out there to accomplish your goals in life but to everyone else that think they cant overcome obstacles and think of many excuses not to achieve their dreams.
Alejandrina T.
This is a great story! Natalie Du Toit is showing the whole world that anything is possible and can be achived. I think this article not only encourges people with disabilities to take challenges when people may say its impossile but also to people without disabilities. I think anything is possible as long as you put ur heart and whole effort into it.
Andrea V.
Natalie Du Tolt’s story will have a very positive impact on everyone that reads it. Her participation in the Olympic Games made others inspire to set goals for themselves. As for myself, I know I will not be athlete but I can set goals to improve in other ways. Like Forrest Gump, he became an overachiever in a lot of things. We should have more inspirational stories rather than crime or negative stories. Not only is she doing well in the Olympics but I hope she does well in the Paralympics. Angie K.
WOW... I never thought of people with disabilities could be in the olympics. I am in total admiration towards Natalie Du Toit and other olympic and para olympic contestants!This article brings hope and power to those who have disabilities. It shows that everyone is able to anything they strive to do, no matter what it could be. People should not give up on there hopes and dreams for those hopes and dreams will come true as long as you set your mind and heart to them.
Its incredible ! i think it is an awesome article. Its wonderful how this person has succeded. Its an example for all of us. If we want to have something in life we need to put effort and Faith.
Claudia P.
Upon reading this article I was unaware of both of these women; however I know now they serve as very important competitors in both the Olympics and Paralympics. What surprised me was how they both competed in both the Olympics and Paralympics. Upon reading the article it offered me some insight in to following your dreams no matter what. Both of these women were faced with amputees and did not let that get in the way of their dreams and accomplishments.
Caleb B.
I completely agree that this story should be inspirational and an eye-opener not only to others with similar disabilities, but to every single person. Despite the fact that she has a below the knee amputation, I find it very motivating that Natalie Du Toit has accomplished so much in the area of open-water swimming, and the fact that she competed in the Beijing Paralympics in 50m, 100m and 400m freestyle events and the 100m butterfly, 100m backstroke, and 200m individual events is simply amazing. Along with Du Toit’s motivating and moving story, I found Natalia Partyka’s story just as inspiring. Partyka, who competed in the both Olympics and Paralympic in table tennis events, has an amputation of her right forearm.
Matthew V.
Natalie Du Toit is without doubt a model to follow. It is great to be reinforced with these types of stories that having a disability is not a barrier to success. In the contrary, it might be the perfect excuse to always aim for more.
Karen L.
natalei Du Toit's acomplishmentis a rare thing to see. it is a great inpriration to the people with disabilities, you can achieve any thing you want, if you work hard and willing to to achieve. These type of rare stories should be given proper coverage in the news media as it not only encourage the people with disability but it changes the attitute of he other people towards them. The people who only/geneally feel pitty on these people with disability, will start feeling proud of them,on their achievements.
This is really a great thing. I really admire them. Every body shoud encourage such competitions and shall acknoledge the ability of people with disability.
vinod p
Natalie is a great role model to the disabilty commuinty. It shows that no matter what type of impairament one has you can do whatever you want to do. As long as you work har towards that certain goal you can achieve anything.
Alex S.
I think its great how Natalie Du Toit is competing in the swimming olympics. Its awesome to see people with disabilites showing they're talents because they're just like us. If they put their mind to something they can achieve anything. Natalie is a great role model for all people with disabilities. She shows them that no matter what with dedication and hard work anything is possible.
Crystal M.
Post a Comment