Louzanne Coetzee, one of South Africa’s top para-athletes, has added another remarkable achievement to her already impressive career.
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On Monday, at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, she clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 1500m T11 event, further cementing her status as a world-class competitor.
Coetzee’s journey to the podium was nothing short of extraordinary. With her guide, Estean Badenhorst, by her side, the 31-year-old crossed the finish line in 4 minutes and 35.49 seconds—a personal best, reports Team SA.
This race was the fastest ever run in the T11 category. Ethiopia’s Yayesh Tesfaw took gold with a world record time of 4 minutes and 27.68 seconds, while China’s Shanshan He claimed silver.
Reflecting on her achievement, Coetzee writes:
“Bronze in the 1500m T11! A massive thank you to the whole of SA for backing our Paris 2024 journey! I am once again amazed by what faith and belief can achieve.”
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Coetzee went on to thank her guide Estean Badenhorst for his assistance, as well as her closest supporters.
“Thank you [Estean] for guiding another expert race and being there every step of the way to another PB and another medal! To coaches, friends and my husband and family, thank you for your love and support during my build up and at the games.”
This bronze medal adds to Coetzee’s growing list of accolades. She had previously won silver in the 1500m and bronze in the marathon at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Her Paralympics performance in Paris not only proves her consistency but highlights her ability to improve, as she managed to shave five seconds off her Tokyo time.
Born with Leber congenital amaurosis, a condition that left Coetzee blind, she has never allowed her disability to hinder her pursuit of excellence. Over the years, she has broken records and shattered barriers, becoming the first visually impaired athlete to compete at the World University Cross Country Championships and setting a world record in the 5000m in 2017.
As she looks ahead to her next challenge on Sunday —the final day of the Paralympics—Coetzee remains focused and driven.
For Team South Africa, Coetzee’s bronze marks the second medal of the Paris Paralympics, following Mpumelelo Mhlongo’s gold in the men’s T44 100m.
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Feature Image: Instagram / @louzannecoetzeetelevenathlete
