Thursday, August 14, 2008

'Swim your own race'

Meet Natalie du Toit, the first female amputee ever to qualify for the Olympics.

(more here.)

update: Oh, and here's an odd little coincidence - according to my mother, today (or was it yesterday?) is the 32nd anniversary of my own amputation.

12 comments:

New Jovian Thunderbolt said...

Every time you post something about amputees, the first thought that enters my mind is, "why is a librarian shootist with cats talking about amputees" followed by the second thought, "Oh, yeaaaaaaaaaaaaah... that."

I never think of you as 'Breda the amputee' and the notion always surprises me.

Anonymous said...

That's amazing! I must admit the idea of swimming without both full legs terrifies me. Doing it well enough to be in the Olympics is astounding.

Willorith said...

What a cool chick. Being South African you know she shoots also.

Bob said...

I emailed Kim du Toit about a previous story concerning her, asking if she was a relation, but never got an answer. Maybe we should blogswarm him and make him tell us.

*evil laugh*

Anonymous said...

32nd anniversary? How can that be, since you're only 29?

You are an inspiration to people you don't even know ... including me.

I offer you one free hour at the range, ammo included, if you're ever in Atlanta.

Anonymous said...

See? Toldja!

M

Anonymous said...

Breda, you may be an amputee, but you sure ain't handicapped!!

I agree with what the first poster said. I think of you as the cool librarian with cats who shoots.

Anonymous said...

Breda's cat shoot ?? Astounding !

Toni

Anonymous said...

Groan. I knew I shouldn't have posted that last sentence...not with this bunch.

Anonymous said...

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Toni

Mike W. said...

What's sad is that if she had a specially made prosthetic the OIC would probably claim it gave her an "unfair advantage" and prevent her from competing.

Anonymous said...

Being an amputee myself, left leg, below knee, friends of mine jokingly accused me years ago of having an unfair advantage on the golf course because my left foot (front foot) was incapable of lifting the heel on my golf swing which may have allowed me to hit it straighter (not necessarily farther) then my friends. This was after taking about 50 bucks off of them playing $1/hole on three straight weeks. Sad to say (for my wallet) those days are long gone.