Athletics

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.
Reflecting on her experience as a 17-year-old competitor at the Tokyo Games and her poised approach to Paris, Caitlin has chosen to embody the essence of preparedness and living in the moment. She speaks passionately about the unwavering support that she feels from strangers and loved ones back home.

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.

On She Speaks Sport this week, I am joined by Ayesha Billimoria, once known as the fastest girl in India. Ayesha is a 3-time national champion in the 200 metres, and she represented the state of Maharashtra for 17 consecutive years. She has held several national and state titles and in 2016, she started Project Fitgirl, aimed at educating young girls through sport development.

On the show, we discuss Ayesha’s early success and how running is her passion and her purpose. She reflects on one of the biggest races she ran as a young teen, when she won gold at the national championships. Sports had the power to change her life, and today Ayesha found Project Fitgirl to create change in the lives of young girls in rural India. Discussing the various hindrances to girls’ education, Ayesha uncovers the deep mindsets of casteism and lack of education for girls, which causes deep inequalities and pain. Yet through sport development, physical literacy and sports education programs, Ayesha shares the successes and the continued need to advocate for girls. A heartfelt fervour coaching, we discuss the approach to coaching Ayesha has adopted and hopes to see spread across India.

A She Speaks Sport Comrades Special!

The Comrade’s marathon is what many term “the greatest ultra – marathon on the globe,” and South Africans love hosting this popular marathon where legends and heroes have been made. I invited ultra marathon runner Carla Molinaro on to the show to discuss her personal preparation for Comrades and how it felt to podium at the Two Oceans. We discuss the downhill route and how the downhill affects runners in the Comrades. How important support is from fans and spectators, the marathon channel just for women this year and the conversation around payment for male and female athletes. And while Carla insists there is no support or help at the front of the race, we always get to witness the importance of camaraderie, (some marriage proposals), and kindness on the route between the runners.