With 300m to go in her T11 1500m final at the Paralympic Games in Paris, it looked like Louzanne Coetzee might not be making a return to the podium she first graced in Tokyo three years ago.
But, as it turned out, that was all part of the plan – running a controlled race to be able to overtake two athletes in front of her on the final lap to secure the bronze medal in a time of 4:35.49.
The 31-year-old, who is assisted by her brother-in-law, Estean Badenhorst, as her guide runner, was understandably emotional after taking a massive chuck off her previous personal best.
“I’m super chuffed. I’m just overwhelmed, and Estean was such a great support through this whole year and through the years from Tokyo up to now. And family, and everybody supporting us.”
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games T11 1500m Paralympic Games Bronze Medalist, Louzanne Coetzee
Ethiopian Yayesh Gate Tesfaw claimed the gold in a new world record of 4:27.68 with China’s Shanshan He bagging the silver in 4:32.82. All three of the medallists crossed the finish line under the previous Paralympic record.
“It was our plan to run even splits and to run a more controlled race. I think we were both nippy with about 400 to go because everybody looked very strong, but from the 250 when we started going past, we felt it was going to be OK.”
Coetzee’s previous best time was the 4:40.96 she ran on her way to Paralympic silver in Tokyo three years ago. Coming into these Games, she said she was aiming to better that but didn’t expect as big an improvement.
“I think for me it was just to be in the final. And closer to the time we could see, OK, we’re starting to get into more PB shape, but I wouldn’t have guessed five seconds,” she explained.
Having struggled with injury and illness this year, Coetzee wasn’t always sure she’d be in Paris to make a bid to return to the podium.
Her message of inspiration to others was: “Perfect comes out of the imperfect, and I think this year I put so much emphasis on Paris that in the middle of the year I realised, sjoe girl if you keep on zooming in so much you might not get here.
“When I relaxed, I trusted God, and I trusted the process, I ran a PB… when the going gets tough have faith and believe that things will work out and trust your process.”
Her thrilled guide runner added: “I’m very happy to be alongside Louzanne. I’m very proud of her, my sister-in-law, running a 4:35 that’s massive… So well done Louzanne, you made South Africa proud, you make me proud, everybody proud, thank you for trusting me.”
Coetzee will be back in action in the T12 marathon on the last day of the Games.
Meanwhile, later on Monday, Kirsty Weir’s eighth place in the Para triathlon was a victory in itself. The 46-year-old has endured a gruelling battle with medical issues, finally being diagnosed with neurological lupus after 14 years of seeking a diagnosis.
Weir was a runner in her younger years, earning a scholarship to an American college before being hit with health problems in her 30s. While she continued with running, she only took up Para triathlon in the last year.
“There are no words. I am the luckiest and happiest girl in the world. So happy, I’ve found my people and my family and just so grateful,” she beamed after finishing in a time of 1:21.14.
“Never, ever after one year did anybody think that somebody would be at the Paralympics, especially somebody that’s never done this,” she added.
“It’s only just shown me what I can do if I put my head down, and I’ve had such tremendous support to get here. I know that if that support continues and grows I will grow as well because I have so much to learn, which is a wonderful thing.”
Kirsty Weir Following her 8th-Place Finish in the Para Triathlon
“I was exhausted, I pushed as hard as I could and I was happy. I don’t know times or anything, I just know that I gave it everything out there because all of you deserve to have everything from me.”
Gold was won by Britain’s Megan Richter in 1:14.30, while silver went to Spaniard Marta Frances Gomez (1:15.10) and bronze to another Brit – Hannah Moore (1:16.01).
Original Copy: Karien Jonckheere, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Louzanne Coetzee and her guide, Erasmus Badenhorst of South Africa, run in the final of the women’s 1500m T11 on day 5 of the Paris2024 Paralympic Games at Stade de France on Monday, 2 September, 2024. Photo: Roger Sedres/TeamSA
Photo 2 Caption: The iconic SA middle distance track star Louzanne Coetzee won Bronze in her T11 1500m final in a PB at the Stade de France. Photo: Roger Sedres/TeamSA
Photo 3 Caption: SA Para triathlete Kirsty Weir’s eighth place was a victory in itself, after the 46-year-old endured a gruelling battle with medical issues. Photo: Karien Jonckheere
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