Sport: Tug-of-war

Brief career description: I have Western Transvaal, Eastern Province, Gauteng North, South African Police and Springbok colours for my sport. I’ve also been an international official and was team manager at the World Games in Taiwan (July 2009). Also attended the Police World & Fire Games in Canada. I’m president of the Gauteng North Tug-of-War Association, liaison officer of the South African Tug-of-War Association as well as national Chairperson of the SAPS Tug-of-War Association. The first woman to be president of a province in SA as well as first woman to be tug-of-war chairperson in the SAPS

Occupation: Senior state accountant with the SA Police Service in Pretoria

Rank: Captain

Started tug-of-war: While undergoing training in SAPS College in Pretoria West 18 years ago

Favourite sporting moment: At Youngsfield Base in Cape Town, at the junior SA championships. There were over 1000 children taking part, barefoot because of their age but they were so eager and determined that it gave me goosebumps to see them and to experience their zest for life and sport. Another highlight was taking leave to wath Usain Bolt win the 100/200m double at the 2008 Olympics.

Biggest sporting disappointment: The ongoing struggle to get SAPS members who take part in tug-of-war to join the SA Tug-of-War Association on an active, ongoing basis.

What the Olympics/Paralymics mean to me: The fact that people from all over the world can realise their dream of taking part against each other while at the same time being one big united family. Also the fact that the Paralympic athletes don’t feel sorry for themselves. The look the world square in the eye and rise above their situation.

Motto in life: Believe in yourself and anything is possible with the grace of God.

Did you grow up with a role model? Yes, my father. He taught me to respect your fellow human and treat others with respect and integrity. Nobody is better or worse because of how much they have in their bank account.

How much training does your sport require? Most people train on their own and are only able to train with their group two or three times a week in the season. This is when we actually do rope-work. The rest of the team each individual has to see to his or her own fitness.

Does your sport need any special diet? I’m a woman – we always try one or other diet!. The only proven diet is to eat healthy food and exercise but in the winter its so difficult you need to eat hot food that has lots and lots of calories!

Inspirational sayings: Never lose your sense of humour. If you lose your sense of humour you have lost the race. Also be careful what you wish for… you may actually get it!

Best sports book: Hansie Cronje’s life story. It proves that we all have our faults. Nobody is perfect