June 16 in South Africa is a reminder of the resilience and the courage the youth of this country have displayed and continue to display as they look to build a better future for themselves. Young girls and women have been consistently performing locally and on the international stage, proving that the future is bright.
One such athlete who knows just what it takes to succeed as a young sportswoman is Gezelle Magerman. The now 28-year-old represented South Africa at the Youth Olympic Games in 2014 and raced to a gold medal in the girls’ 400m hurdles, at just 17 years of age. She is also a former U20 African Champion in the 400m hurdles.
“I believe that former athletes play a major role in shaping the next generation,” says Magerman. “Their experience and their credibility can inspire as well as empower young and upcoming athletes, through mentorship and coaching, role models, and storytelling. They can assist athletes through creating opportunities and pathways.
Former athletes are positioned to create some lasting, meaningful change. Their experience, knowledge, and credibility allow them to empower the next generation of athletes in ways that go beyond just coaching or training—they can be the key to a more inclusive, supportive, and successful sporting future for young female athletes in South Africa.”
Magerman echoes the sentiment of many saying that if there is to be true gender parity for women and girls in sport, there cannot be gender biases but acknowledges that making this a reality will need to be done in a holistic way.
“Ensuring young female athletes are given fair and meaningful opportunities in South Africa requires a multi-layered approach,” she says.
“It’s not just about providing facilities, but also changing mindsets, systems, and funding priorities. Challenge gender stereotypes: Run public campaigns to normalise girls participating in all sports, especially in male-dominated ones like football and rugby.”
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Magerman added that in the past few years she has witnessed increased opportunities for young women and girls and says organisations like gsport have played a huge role in #ClosingTheVisibilityGap.
“There are certainly more opportunities now and with the platform that gsport has, women in sport and young women are getting recognised.”
The former star youth athlete encouraged the next generation to make sure they are focused not just on being physically fit but also mentally strong as the road can be one with many hurdles (mind the pun).
“I just want to say that your journey will be filled with challenges, but having discipline and determination can get you far. The road to success is not an easy one, but with resilience, passion, and belief, anything is possible.”
Magerman relocated to Durban in a bid to pursue her athletics career and the runner who is originally from the town of Darling in the Western Cape has now been part of the world of athletics for 20 years. She participates in various senior local and international events and this year she is hoping to make the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. She is gunning for 54.65 seconds in the 400m hurdles with a chance to make it to Japan.
Magerman’s current personal best is 55.90, so she will have to work hard to shave off that time to book her place for the renowned event on the athletics calendar. She is hard at work trying to ensure her name is on the start sheet for the World Champs.
The young champ is also in the midst of raising funds for her trip via a BackAbuddy campaign. She still has a way to go but touched by the monetary support she has already received.
“We still have a bit of fundraising to go but I’m super grateful for everybody that has supported me this far. It’s heartwarming to know that so many people believe in me.”
Main Photo Caption: As South Africa recently commemorated Youth Day, former youth track star Gezelle Magerman says former athletes must play their part in empowering the next generation with the necessary assistance in their quest to succeed. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: “There are more opportunities now, and with the platform that gsport has, women in sport and young women are getting recognised.”
Photo 3 Caption: Magerman: “Your journey will be filled with challenges, but having discipline and determination can get you far!”
