When you mention the name Kgothatso Montjane, one thing comes to mind – sporting excellence. The award-winning wheelchair tennis star has, for the past several years, been at the top of her game.
The para athlete has maintained her form since 2019, and she shows no signs of slowing down. She has consistently been performing at the top level. Just this year, she and doubles partner Yui Kamiji won the 2025 French Open wheelchair doubles title.
For this brilliance, she has been shortlisted for another gsport Award in the Brand South Africa Para Sport Star category, alongside Paris 2024 Paralympic Games stars Simoné Kruger and Kat Swanepoel.
Montjane has become accustomed to being in this category and is also a winner. “I truly value gsport’s ongoing acknowledgment of my hard work,” she said on being shortlisted for the national honour once again.
“This recognition arrives at a time when I am challenging myself to the fullest, while also preparing to find my successor.”
Multiple Grand Slam Wheelchair Tennis Champion, Kgothatso Montjane
2024 Paralympics gold medalist Simoné Kruger has had a sensational year, from capturing gold in the discus at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, to breaking African records, and shows no signs of slowing down with all she is accomplishing.
It’s easy to forget that Kruger is just 19 years old. The field athletics star says that being acknowledged in such a way has made her feel proud not just for herself, but this also bodes well for other para-athletes.
“I think being recognised on this huge stage for women, like a para-athlete like myself, is just amazing. I think it just opens so many doors for me and every other athlete that’s been nominated, and it’s just amazing to be recognised.”
Paris 2024 Gold Medalist, Simoné Kruger
Kruger went on to say that gsport’s impact over almost two decades has positively impacted women’s sport, and it has been an integral part in building the careers of sportswomen.
“gsport’s support has made a large impact on women in sport. I think it’s just an amazing thing to even think that they’ve been supporting women for almost 20 years now, and I think it opens a lot of doors for women, and it just makes a huge impact for every sportswoman out there”.
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Swim star Kat Swanepoel rounds out the 2024 Finalists in this category, and when she found out that she has been shortlisted at this year’s awards, she reacted with complete and utter surprise. She has had several setbacks in her career, but despite this, she has managed to find her voice and performed on the global stage.
After being re-classified in a tougher category on her arrival at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, the Team SA flag-bearer ultimately had to withdraw from several events because of a shoulder injury, but she still toughed it out in the S5 50m backstroke heats, swimming half the race with a dislocated shoulder, and still breaking an African record.
Swanepoel, who is a Paralympic athlete as well as a swimming coach, says this latest achievement is a testament to the fact that you must never give up.
“I think for me, it’s just like I want to leave some sort of legacy to say, you know, sport is more than what the scoreboard says.”
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Swimmer, Kat Swanepoel
“We don’t have youngsters burning out because they’re going through a tough season. I think for me, as I say, to also be able to be seen, being recognised by you guys, it backs up what I am saying.”
She also commended gsport for shining a light on women’s sport and para sports, and notes the progress made in these areas.
“The stories you guys feature, like the less well-known sports (is wonderful). It is just so encouraging for girls, for women, to say that there is a place and there is a place where you’ll be recognised and celebrated.”
Remember to play your part and vote for your favourite at the 2025 gsport Awards Voting Hall!
Main Photo Caption: Multiple winner at the gsport Awards, Kgothatso Montjane introduces a stellar cast in this year’s voting for the 2025 Para Star of the Year Award. Known for her sporting excellence, the wheelchair tennis star has been at the top of her game for the past several years. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: At Paris 2024, Simoné Kruger added Paralympic gold and a Paralympic record to the two world titles and world record she already holds.
Photo 3 Caption: After being re-classified in a tougher category, Kat Swanepoel toughed it out in the S5 50m backstroke heats, swimming half the race with a dislocated shoulder, and still breaking an African record.
