In 2024 Simoné Kruger added to the legacy she is building as a para-athlete by winning gold at the Paris Paralympics in the women’s F38 Discus. She also holds the world record in the event with a throw of 38.82 metres. Now, the turn of the year has signalled a fresh start for Kruger as she begins a new phase in her life after moving from Gauteng to the Western Cape, writes MARK LEMKE.
The 20-year-old superstar has enrolled in her first year at Stellenbosch University where she has taken up residence and where she has begun her degree in biokinetics (the scientific study of how movement improves performance and aids in recovery). The degree brings a new challenge to Kruger’s career as her day is now packed with coursework.
“I have classes from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon, which means I am only able to practice early in the morning or late in the afternoon,” she said as she wrapped up her day’s training at the neighbouring Coetzenburg Stadium.
“On some days I am also quite tired from classes or from riding my bike everywhere, so that brings a challenge that I need to overcome.”
Despite the busy varsity schedule, Kruger remains active and committed to her continued progress as a para-athlete.
At the recent Winelands International, she was honoured with the Zanele Situ trophy (named after the four-time Paralympic medallist who passed away in November 2023) for the best overall performance. She saw off competition for the trophy, based on ranking points achieved, from fellow Paralympians Collen Mahlalela and Kerwin Noemdo.
“Zanele was a hero of mine. She had competed at six Paralympics, and not many people can say they have done that. I strive to have the same sort of impact in the sport as she had, so winning this trophy was truly special,” Kruger said.
With the 2025 Para-Athletic World Championships scheduled for September, Kruger’s involvement is dependent on her reclassification. The left-handed thrower currently competes as a F38 athlete, which mainly exists for athletes with cerebral palsy (CP).
The classification for CP athletes ranges from F35 to F38. Kruger needs to be reclassified every four years and her last one was four years ago at Tokyo’s 2020 Paralympics (held in 2021). For her to be reclassified internationally, she must travel to Europe which she says would require her to do in a term holiday to avoid falling behind in her studies.
“Studies are going to be intense and I can’t afford to miss extended periods, so a lot will depend on when we go overseas to be classified, and it does also come down to timing because travel costs are a lot higher in the nothern hemisphere summer than they are at other times of the year.”
After this year her sporting journey will quieten down momentarily as her event is not on the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
As she has done through her life, Kruger focuses on the positives. “Next year will be a chance to train and condition myself to reach an even higher level. I want the opportunity to win gold again at the next Paralympics in LA (2028), and in the next few years I will get better and I will get stronger. I am very hungry for that next gold!”
Kruger is confident in her future and with the facilities available to her in Stellenbosch. She feels she has the opportunity to achieve greater levels in her discus and shotput. Her father and coach, Andries Kruger, added: “Maties Para Sports Club have been very supportive of us. When we need to train, we are given the facilities to do so and their support has made us feel at home here. The grounds we train on are better than what we have experienced before, so we feel confident with what we hope to achieve.”
The Paralympic star has started a new chapter in her life. Her father has made the trip south with her but the rest of the family will shortly follow. As will her Paralympic gold medal. “I forgot it at home and didn’t bring it with me when I moved to Stellenbosch!” she says.
All of which shows the rush of activity that has co-incided with the start of 2025. She now looks ahead to balance a year full of tests and assignments in the classroom, with her ambitions to break her own records and win more medals on the field.
Photo: Andries Kruger
