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South Africans continue to shine on the global stage and our latest triumph comes from the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, where Kgothatso Montjane, alongside Japan’s Yui Kamiji, clinched the women’s wheelchair doubles title in a spectacular display of skill and determination. Step aside for now Springboks, we’ve got another world champ to celebrate!

Born and raised in Seshego near Polokwane, Limpopo, Montjane’s journey has been marked by extraordinary challenges and remarkable achievements. The talented athlete was born with a congenital disorder affecting both her hands and one foot and had her other foot amputated by the age of 12.

Despite all the difficulties thrown her way, Montjane has risen as one of the top wheelchair tennis players globally, with 29 singles titles to her name and numerous doubles victories.

Montjane reached the top 10 of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings, peaking at number 5 in 2005, and has been named South Africa’s disabled sportswoman of the year three times.

The SA wheelchair tennis champ has also been a shining star at the Paralympic Games, representing South Africa in 2008, 2012, and 2016 and was the first South African woman to win a French Open title since 1981.

This Wimbledon victory is particularly exciting for Montjane as it marks her first Wimbledon title after an elusive chase last year. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Partnering with Yui Kamiji, the duo defeated the formidable French pair Diede De Groot and Aniek van Koot in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, during an epic clash. This victory is Montjane’s third overall doubles Grand Slam title, further cementing her legacy as a South African sportswoman and advocate for disabled athletes.

The ever-modest and professional Montjane gushed over her doubles win but kept her words firmly centred on gratitude and her desire to inspire others in wheelchair tennis:

“We are just happy that this year we managed to fight for it (like she said); it’s been a tough week playing each other and having to put our heads together to play doubles. It hasn’t been an easy one. But other than that, we are happy to be playing here and for the crowd for staying cause when you watch, the sport grows, so thank you for coming through. And I just want to thank my support back home.”

Montjane’s story is not just about winning titles, but about perseverance, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence – she’s putting the ‘Love’ into tennis alright.

[source:goodthingsguy]