A sportswoman of the year will be crowned for the first time in three years at the Free State Sport Stars gala dinner for 2022.
The former Protea netball captain Maryka Holtzhausen was the last winner, as the prestigious event did not take place in 2020 or 2021 due to Covid-19.
Top performers are honoured for their achievements on the international stage from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2022. Although the Free State has a wealth of talent, only the following six women are nominated in 2022:
Khanyisa Chawane (netball)
She is part of the first-ever nationally contracted netball group and represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. Chawane played a role in the Proteas being crowned champions at the Africa Cup, and played in the 2022 Netball Quad Series, in which South Africa, England, Australia and New Zealand competed.
Lefébre Rademan (netball)
Rademan received a national contract from Netball South Africa and played for the Proteas at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. The former Kovsie captain helped her country retain the Africa Cup, and played in the Netball Quad Series. She was named the player’s player of the season and coaches’ player of the season for the Celtic Dragons, her club overseas.
Nita Scholtz (badminton)
The national badminton champion in the women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles represented her country at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Scholtz reached the 16th round of 16 in the mixed doubles and the women’s doubles, as well as the 32nd round of 32 in the women’s singles in Birmingham. South Africa also reached the Commonwealth quarter-finals for the first time. Scholtz won gold in the women’s singles and doubles at the All Africa Championships.
Shindré-Lee Simmons (hockey)
Simmons made her Protea debut at the African Cup of Nations, scored her first international goal and helped South Africa win the tournament. The former Kovsie captain represented her country at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands. She took part in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Yolandi Stander (athletics – discus)
She was crowned national champion after winning a gold medal at the South African Championships with a throw of 57.90 m. Stander was part of Team South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she finished sixth (55.49 m). She also took part in the African Championships in Mauritius.
Elmien Viljoen (karate)
Viljoen represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Birmingham. She competed in the female kumite +68 kg and female team kumite categories. She also participated in the female kumite +68 kg club competition, where she placed joint fifth. She won a silver medal at the African Karate Federation (UFAK) Region 5 tournament and bronze at the Japan Karate Association (JKA) national tournament.
– Jóhann Thormählen
