Tezna Abrahams continues to overcome challenges and aims to achieve significant milestones for herself and her country in 2026. She is recognised for advocating for her achievements and promoting fair treatment of women athletes.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Abrahams encourages sportswomen to believe in themselves and their abilities. She emphasises that women para athletes deserve recognition on every stage.
Speaking of stages, a para athlete from the Western Cape was bestowed with a great honour as she was one of the recipients of the Ministerial Award at the 2025 gsport Awards, and she says this accolade was incredibly significant to her and her career. It highlights her own progress as well as the overall progress of para athletes.
She has had a tremendous career on the track, where she competes in the 100m, 200m, and long jump. Abrahams has represented South Africa at the Paralympics and in 2023, clinched the titles of South African 200m and was crowned Long Jump champion as well as shattered African records in Long Jump.
The Paralympian shared some of her time with gsport where she spoke about her aspirations for a career in 2026, as well as some inspirational words for her fellow female para athletes.
How has the start to 2026 been for you?
The start of 2026 has really been about recovery, rebuilding, and preparing for what’s ahead. After the injury at the end of last year, I’ve been focusing on rehabilitation and making sure my body is strong again. It has also been a time for reflection and resetting my goals as I continue working toward representing South Africa on the international stage again.
What are you hoping to achieve in 2026?
My focus for 2026 is to return to full competitive form and keep improving in the 100m, 200m, and long jump. I want to continue building consistency in my performances and push my limits as an athlete.
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Every season is also part of the bigger journey as I work toward competing at the 2028 Summer Paralympics.
2025 was a bit of an up-and-down year for you. You shone on the international stage, then had an injury at the end of the year. What are some of the lessons you learnt?
2025 taught me a lot about resilience and patience. Sport is never a straight path; there are always highs and challenges. Competing internationally reminded me of what I’m capable of, while the injury forced me to slow down and listen to my body. Those moments build mental strength and remind you how much you truly love the sport.
You also won the Ministerial Award at the gsport Awards. What did that recognition mean to you as a para athlete?
Winning the Ministerial Award at the gsport Awards was incredibly meaningful to me. Recognition like that not only celebrates my journey as an athlete, but it also highlights the progress and potential of para sport in South Africa.
As para athletes, we often have to overcome additional barriers, so being recognised on a platform like this reinforces that our performances and stories matter.
How has the award impacted your sports career and you as a person?
The award reminded me that my journey is bigger than just results on the track. It’s about representation, visibility, and inspiring others who may see themselves in my story. Personally, it motivated me to keep pushing forward and to continue using my platform to advocate for inclusion and greater recognition for para athletes.
International Women’s Day will be celebrated on March 8. What is your message to your fellow women para athletes?
My message to female para athletes is to keep believing in your strength and your abilities. Our journeys may come with unique challenges, but they also show incredible resilience. Continue supporting each other, breaking barriers, and proving that women in sport, especially women in para sport, belong on every stage.
What is your advice to rising female para athletes who dream of making it big?
My advice would be to believe in your potential and stay committed to the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it takes patience, discipline, and consistency. Surround yourself with people who support your goals and never let anyone define your limits.
What are your career ambitions?
My ambition is to continue representing South Africa at the highest level and to keep improving my performances in the 100m, 200m, and long jump.
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I want to compete at major international competitions and ultimately stand on the podium at the Paralympic Games. Beyond competition, I also want to use my journey to inspire young athletes and contribute to growing the visibility of para sport in South Africa.
gsport will be celebrating its 20th birthday this year. What do you think of the impact it has made on the industry?
For 20 years, gsport has played an important role in celebrating and elevating women in sport in South Africa. Their work has helped shine a light on athletes whose achievements might not always receive the recognition they deserve. Platforms like gsport help change the narrative and ensure that women in sport continue to be seen, celebrated, and supported.
Main Photo Caption: Tezna Abrahams opens up about her 2026 rebuilding phase after injury and the significance of her Ministerial Award, sharing a powerful message that women para athletes must continue breaking barriers and believing in their potential. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Abrahams competes in the 100m, 200m, and long jump, and has represented South Africa at the highest level of para athletics.
Photo 3 Caption: The talented athlete is focused on recovery and preparation as she works toward the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles.
