Natalie du Toit left leg was amputated below the knee in 2001. She has gone on to compete against – and often beat – able-bodied swimmers at the highest level. At 16, she nearly qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics in three events. People sensed great things were in store for the strong, determined swimmer; […]
Natalie du Toit left leg was amputated below the knee in 2001. She has gone on to compete against – and often beat – able-bodied swimmers at the highest level.
At 16, she nearly qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics in three events. People sensed great things were in store for the strong, determined swimmer; in 2004, Athens would become her playground.
Then in 2001, those plans abruptly changed. Having completed her morning workout, Natalie eased her motor scooter into Monday rush-hour traffic and headed to school.
Just down the street from her pool, a careless driver exiting a parking lot ran directly into Natalie’s left leg. The scene was gruesome; the devastation was immediately obvious: “I kept saying, ‘I’ve lost my leg, I’ve lost my leg“. Her team mates rushed to her. Traffic snarled. The scene: total, horrible chaos. A motorcycle policeman racing to the accident crashed headfirst into a truck and had to be airlifted to a hospital.
The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goals;
the tragedy of life lies in not having goals to reach for.
It is not a disgrace not to reach for the stars,
but it is a disgrace not to have stars to reach for.
‘Swim your own race!’
What Natalie du Toit has done (and is still busy doing) to overcome her adversity and the lessons she’s learned along the way, she believes holds true regardless of one’s age, sex, race, religion, nationality or financial standing. It all comes from self-belief – an exceptionally powerful tool, if we could just learn how to use it correctly every day.
Since her accident, Natalie du Toit switched to longer events – from 200m and 400m individual medley to 800m and 1 500m freestyle – to make up for her loss of speed with only one leg. But she made no adjustment to her mental outlook!
Since then, she has become one of the most successful disabled athletes of all times and an inspiration to many!
Natalie du Toit goal was to compete as an able-bodied swimmer at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This goal materialized on the 20 August 2008, when she competed in the 10km ladies open water marathon, in Shunyi.
The five Gold Medals at the 2008 Paralympic Games made Natalie du Toit the most successful athlete in South Africa. She was further awarded the Whan Youn Dai Achievement Award.
This award is presented to 2 athletes, one male and one female athlete and is given to people with disability who have achieved excellence through exceptional performances in sport and life.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Alex Harris is a name synonymous with fearless exploration and unparalleled determination. Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of South Africa, Harris has carved his legacy as an esteemed mountaineer and extreme athlete. His remarkable feats include leading a groundbreaking expedition that achieved a world-first: traversing the daunting expanse of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) […]
John Smit, a name synonymous with resilience and leadership in the rugby world, stands as one of South Africa’s most revered sports figures. As the 50th captain of the Springbok rugby union team, Smit’s tenure was marked by unparalleled dedication and a series of historic victories that have etched his name into the annals of […]
With a voice that has become synonymous with South African rugby, Matthew Pearce stands as one of the most respected and recognizable rugby commentators in the country. Known for his passion, precision, and deep understanding of the game, Pearce’s storytelling brings the intensity of the Springbok experience to life. Whether calling play-by-play action or offering […]
Jean de Villiers is a product of Paarl Gimnasium, the nursery of many a future South African star player (among them past international teammate Marius Joubert and South African back-rower Schalk Burger), De Villiers made his first impact at international level in the South African Sevens team, playing in ten of the eleven legs of […]
Mark Grobbelaar began karate at the age of nine and holds a 6th Dan, as well as provincial and national colours, he has over 45 years experience in his field and is founder of a revolutionary concept to give women their power back. “The course of my life changed after a friend of mine, was […]
Faf de Klerk is a celebrated South African rugby icon whose tenacity, leadership, and vision have defined an era of Springbok success. Renowned for his speed, tactical awareness, and indomitable spirit, Faf is more than just a world-class scrum-half—he is a symbol of resilience and determination on and off the field. His dynamic performances in […]
Siphiwe Moyo is a dynamic and engaging keynote speaker, celebrated for his infectious energy and powerful presence on stage. With a career rooted in leadership development, organizational behavior, and personal motivation, Siphiwe has become a highly sought-after voice across Africa and beyond. He specializes in transforming the way organizations inspire their people, delivering high-impact messages […]
Dr. Michael Mol is a multifaceted professional whose diverse career trajectory spans the realms of medicine, media, entrepreneurship, and public speaking. With a blend of medical expertise, television charisma, and entrepreneurial acumen, Dr. Mol has established himself as a prominent figure in South Africa and beyond. As a medical doctor, executive TV producer and presenter, […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
