A week ago, swim sensation Lara van Niekerk was crowned triple winner at the 2022 Momentum gsport Awards, in what was a momentous occasion for South Africa’s global star.
The 19-year-old received the Momentum Athlete of the Year, Sasol Global Woman in Sport and the Ministerial Recognition of Excellence awards for her outstanding contributions, which raised South Africa’s flag high on the international scene.
Her double gold Commonwealth Games victories also plunged van Niekerk to earn the title as the country’s golden girl.
Speaking to the gsport Newsroom team after the awards concluded at The Wanderers Club in Johannesburg, van Niekerk said: “I’m thrilled to be walking away with three awards! Thank you to everyone who has believed and voted for me.”
When asked what her expectations were when she arrived at the venue, van Niekerk reveals: “I was coming to enjoy the night and just mingle with everyone. I didn’t expect that I would walk away with these awards!”
As van Niekerk dazzled in a black ensemble by Just Tonight Josephine, she touched on the power of recognition and what it meant to be celebrated.
“It feels good to know that you are being seen and that everyone understands the hard work that we put into what we do. It’s really just an amazing feeling! I am honoured!”
Awards Naming Rights partner, Momentum, took time out to congratulate van Niekerk on Twitter, saying: “She has gold swimming through her veins! Tonight, Lara van Niekerk glides away with the Momentum #gsport17 Athlete of the Year Award! We’re proud to share her lane to success. Double gold at the Commonwealth Games. Breaking records as #SheOwnsHerSuccess.”
Over the next few months, van Niekerk will be preparing for the next event on the calendar as she is set to wear the green and gold at the World Short Course in Melbourne, taking place in December.
If you missed the premiere of the 2022 Momentum gsport Awards, you can watch it below!
Photo 1 Caption: Swim sensation Lara van Niekerk pictured at the 2022 Momentum gsport Awards at The Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 14 September. Photo: gsport
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