In a move set to instil pride in the hearts of Newcastle residents, Vicky van der Merwe is gearing up to showcase her sporting prowess on the international stage.
This comes as the athlete is slated to participate in the prestigious International Bowls for the Disabled (IBD) World Championships, scheduled to unfold in Ekurhuleni during the upcoming New Year.
Vicky’s selection to represent South Africa in the IBD World Championships, scheduled from 18 May 2024 to 31 May 2024, marks a significant milestone in her sporting career, as the event will see her compete against some of the globe’s top talents in the disability bowls category.
It should be noted that the tournament is divided into various categories, depending on each competitor’s disability.
Looking back, Vicky was left disabled in 2017, after she underwent a series of back surgeries. Her doctor straightened her spine and had to fuse it to her pelvis. While the surgeries resolved her back issues, the procedure to straighten her spine did result in nerve damage and Vicky was left not having full control of her feet, requiring titanium braces for stability.
Undeterred by her disability, Vicky has emerged as a formidable force in the world of bowls. Her achievements include securing a gold medal at the National Disability Bowls Championships in June 2019 and clinching a bronze medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Looking ahead to the IBD World Championships, Vicky expressed her elation, stating, “I am over the moon as it is a dream come true. Since I’ve become disabled, I wanted to participate in the world championships. At the Commonwealth Games where I won a bronze, there were not as many countries participating as there will be at the upcoming event where 20 to 25 countries will be joining.”
Setting her sights on the IBD World Championships, Vicky noted that she now had to prepare for a lot of hard work, which would entail practising almost every day and training with Bowls South Africa’s Gold Squad.
As she will be playing in both the Pairs and Singles categories within her disability division, Vicky said, “It is an exciting journey ahead, and the next few months will fly by. But I have no words to explain how happy I am to be representing South Africa and I am aiming to achieve gold in both the Pairs and Singles.”
In the Pairs division, Vicky explained that she would be joining forces with Margie Palmer from Somerset West in the Western Cape.
“I have never competed with Margie as a partner, but I have played against her in the nationals’ and we get along well and gelled together. I believe we have the capability to win gold at the tournament,” emphasised Vicky. Whereby she further highlighted her positive outlook on the upcoming championships. The duo plans to refine their synergy during the Nationals in March 2024, providing a platform to fine tune their skills as a team before the global showdown.
With Vicky van der Merwe set to carry the banner for Newcastle and South Africa on the international stage, Newcastillian News extends its best wishes to the athlete as she embarks on this momentous journey.
Readers are invited to share their thoughts on Vicky’s upcoming endeavour in the comment section below. The community’s support will undoubtedly serve as a source of encouragement for this spirited athlete as she prepares to make her mark on the global sporting arena.
