2022 Momentum gsport Awards triple winner, Lara van Niekerk, continues to build on her outstanding global performances, eight months after her recognition on the gsport stage on 14 September.
At #gsport17, the South African swim sensation bagged the Momentum Athlete of the Year, Sasol Global Woman in Sport and received a Minister’s Recognition of Excellence accolade after she won double gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
To kick start our #PowerOfRecognition series ahead of the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards, we found it fitting to interview van Niekerk to chat about the importance of receiving recognition and how she has managed to handle the spotlight in her career.
gsport Content Lead Celine Abrahams caught up with the champion swimmer as she has her eyes set on the World Swimming Championships in Japan later this year.
Lara, the gsport Team has announced the nominations process for the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards. As a triple winner on the gsport stage, why do you think the Power of Recognition is important?
I think recognising female athletes and creating visibility is so important as it gives young athletes something to aspire to and show them that their dreams are also possible.
What was the best part of your Momentum gsport Awards experience at #gsport17?
I loved the whole event! It was wonderful to get dressed up, to meet the other athletes and just celebrate being a woman in sport!
You have shattered records across the globe and continue to grab headlines – how do you handle the spotlight?
It is wonderful to have recognition, but I try to just keep focused on working hard because I know that’s what counts. My friends and family really help me in just remaining grounded and focused on what is really important in life.
What is your advice to someone who is perhaps struggling to value themselves and recognize their own achievements?
Surround yourself with people that believe in you. When you doubt yourself it is so good to be able to get a boost from someone close to you. Also, as hard as it may be, make sure to celebrate those small wins each day – it doesn’t have to be anything big, but give yourself a bit of a pat on the back for a job well done in something you did that day.
What are your thoughts on the Year of Women’s Sport and the spotlight on women’s sport in 2023?
I love that the spotlight is on women’s sport – without that visibility it is hard to grow women’s sport and create opportunities for women to pursue sporting careers and make a career out of it. But also, it is good to focus on just getting girls active and comfortable in their own skin.
What are your views on the impact of the work gsport does?
gsport has done a fantastic job of creating a space to really celebrate women in sport. I think this work has definitely raised the profile of female athletes in SA.
What can we do to close the visibility gap in women’s sport?
It will take a collective will from all involved in sport – be it media, sponsors, athletes, coaches or parents – to see value in women’s sport, and fight for opportunities. Only if we all truly believe in the unique and special value of female athletes will we be able create change.
What is your message to South African women’s teams due to play in World Cups this year?
I will be cheering you on because women supporting women is one of the keys to success. Enjoy the competition and know that we are all proud of you for showing up and being willing to compete with the best in the world!
What are your immediate goals?
For now I am focused on the World Swimming Championships later this year in Japan.
What is your wish for women’s sport?
I would wish that women in sport are treated equally, while still acknowledging that we are different to men., and having these differences celebrated.
Photo 1 Caption: South African swimmer Lara van Niekerk (middle) pictured at the 2022 Momentum gsport Awards, alongside former Sport Minister Nathi Mthwethwa (left) and Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum, Nontokozo Madonsela (right), where she walked away as triple winner at Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 14 September. Photo: gsport
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