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She Speaks Sport

Welcome to She Speaks Sport, where the love for women’s sports meets the fascination for the stories behind the game-changers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore, join me for empowering conversations, insightful interviews, and a front-row seat to the compelling narratives behind the names we know and admire. Get ready to fuel your passion for sports and uncover the untold stories that deserve to be heard.

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Featured Podcasts

Caitlin Rooskrantz - A Gymnast making History

As we stand on the edge of the Olympic opening ceremony, I am honoured to have Caitlin Rooskrantz, the trailblazing gymnast who shattered ceilings and defied odds at the highest stage of athletics, joining me on the podcast. Caitlin shares her astonishment and pride at being selected as a flag bearer for Team South Africa alongside her inspiration, Akani Simbine. This unprecedented moment marks a significant milestone, as never before has a gymnast carried the South African flag at the Games. It’s a testament to the growth of gymnastics within the Rainbow Nation, and how the future of the sport is breaking new ground and inspiring future generations.

Growing up as a young woman of colour, Caitlin faced a landscape devoid of role models who mirrored her journey. She shares about how she questioned where the glass ceiling was, and her journey to push through that for herself and for young gymnasts rising up. In a poignant tribute, Caitlin emphasizes the power of dreaming big and trusting the timing, even through adversity. Her story resonates deeply, reminding us all that perseverance and belief can transform hardships and moments of sadness, into purposeful growth. Dare to dream, and dare to break through—because Caitlin proves that greatness knows no limits.

Paige Badenhorst – Rowing Journey to the Olympics

Paige Badenhorst has always set the bar high when it comes to pursuing her dreams. She moved to the U.S to study at Michigan University, until a move to Cambridge University saw her participate in the annual River Thames boat race, where her crew set a course record. Now she is flying the flag really high for female rowers, as she is proudly representing South Africa as the only female rower at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

On the pod, Paige and I talk about her feelings around the games, and her childhood dream of Olympic participation, now a reality and how she is processing living her dream. Her pride in representing our country, and wearing the national colours is so evident. Paige also breaks down what rowing really is, the different boat classes and how rowing backwards is how you move forward. We discuss her partnership with Katherine Williams and the heartbreak in missing out for the women’s doubles in the Olympic qualifiers and how the head-to-head in the trials was hard. Paige came out as the winner, securing her spot in the single scull competition. We also talk about the respect and connection between the female rowers and Paige shares with us who to look out for in the rowing competition. Inspiring, uplifting and exciting, tune in for this Olympic special.

Rumandi Potgieter on Taylor, Tackles, and Triumphs in Rugby

Having started her athletic career as a netball player, Rumandi Potgieter was part of the first ever team to lift the Varsity Cup trophy with Tuks. Leaving Netball to start rugby with the Tuks’ women’s 7’s was part of her journey as she toured Dubai and France, winning the first and only Varsity Cup 7’s. Currently, she makes her home with the Bulls Daisies, and she made her debut for the Springbok 15’s in 2021, proudly representing South Africa the following year in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

On the pod, Rumandi and I chat about her recent Taylor Swift concert and how much of Taylor’s message and voice resonate with Rumandi as an athlete in a male dominated space. Uncovering the questions female athletes get asked (like does it hurt when you get tackled), we oppose the inequalities in how interviewers approach athlete interviews. Reflecting on the current Bulls Daisies season and the loss to DHL Western Province, Rumandi observes how the pressure and team dynamics has shifted and evolved positively. With the WXV2 tournament taking place, we get hyped about last year’s tournament and how the crowds responded to the team. We also issue a personal invitation to the sport minister, and to you, our listener, an invitation you won’t want to miss.

On the Trail with Letshego Zulu

Join us on an awe-inspiring journey with Letshego Zulu, a name etched in history as the first black woman to conquer the Absa Cape Epic. But her story doesn’t stop there. Letshego is a force of nature, a beacon of strength, and a testament to the power of determination. She is also a mother, business woman in outdoor media and the proud owner of Echelon Bike Transport. Her book, “I Choose to Live: Life after losing Gugu,” stands as a testament to her courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

I sat down with Letshego to chat about her recent completion of the Waterberg Traverse in Limpopo. Her enthusiasm for the ethos of the race is infectious, but that’s not all. Letshego opens up about her exhilarating journey as a runner-up in Survivor SA, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into the mental fortitude required to navigate the challenges of the wilderness. Discover the catalyst behind Letshego’s four-time conquest of the Absa Cape Epic as she recounts the pivotal moment when her husband, Gugu, presented her with the opportunity. It was the prospect of breaking barriers as a black woman in the race that ignited her passion, propelling her to new heights of achievement.

Laura Wolvaardt – Leading from the Front

In this episode, I have the immense pleasure of welcoming Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of the South African women’s national cricket team, to the show. She’s not only the Proteas top-order batter but also showcases her talent in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for the Gujarat Giants, the Women’s Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers, and The Hundred for the Manchester Originals.

With the India tour kicking off this June, Laura shares her thoughts and feelings ahead of the much-anticipated games. We dive into the atmosphere within the team as they gear up to face the Women in Blue at some of India’s most iconic cricket venues. Laura opens up about her personal journey with T20 cricket, detailing how she overcame criticism through self-belief and hard work.

We also discuss her back-to-back centuries in the ODIs against Sri Lanka, exploring how she handles the pressure and challenges of captaining a diverse team.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with one of South Africa’s most beloved athletes, Laura Wolvaardt, and get to know the person behind the cricket legend.

My Personal Journey With Tazmin Brits

On She Speaks Sport this week, I am chatting with the phenomenal Proteas batter, Tazmin Brits.
Tazmin is a top-order batter whose exciting partnerships with Laura Wolvaardt at the top of the order, always excite spectators. She was once the junior world champion for javelin before suffering a horrific car crash that broke her pelvis in four places and left her hospitalized for 3 months. Today, she is a powerhouse on the cricket pitch and even won player of the match in the semi–final T20 World Cup against England.

On the pod, we go deeper into Tazmin’s personal journey with cricket, the downside of social media as a sportsperson, the values she holds most dear, and the importance of inspiring the younger generation of girls who dream of playing sport.

Podcast Topics

On the pod, Lauren hosts guests who provide insight into sport for women and girls, athletes who share their stories, and opinion without the complicated jargon.

What My Guests Say

The interview with Lauren has been nothing short of impactful. She manages to deliver informative and engaging conversations. It is great to see that there is a growing emphasis on raising awareness about women’s health issues, which has been silenced for too long.

Fatima Kathrada, Women’s Health Researcher & Advocate

My interview with Lauren, was really fun, with some refreshingly different questions.
And lots of interaction from the listeners.

Andrie Steyn, WP Cricket Vice - Captain

The interview was an inspiring space for us as women from different walks of life, speaking with the same voice to share our stories, wisdom and understanding of how society functions in response to the roles and needs expressed by women.

Kganya Mogashoa, Visual Artist

I had such a heartwarming time with Lauren on Air talking women empowerment, Inclusivity, and inspiring our youth of South Africa. Lauren unpacks the relevant topics so well, i had a super time diving into the chore of visions and instilling important values to our listeners I was as much inspired by Lauren as she was by me and I look forward to following her as together women can master incredible things further, for women, by women.