By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The 41-year-old sailor Kirsten Neuschäfer was named Sportswoman of the Year at the SA Sports Awards on Sunday night after becoming the first woman to win the Golden Globe Race.
The intrepid Gqeberha sailor made history last year by becoming the first woman to win the prestigious Golden Globe round-the-world race since its inception in 1968.
Neuschäfer had already been hailed across the world for her remarkable achievement and was named female 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year by World Sailing. But it was the acknowledgement from her home country that meant the most to her.
“The greatest recognition that anyone can receive is from their own country, so thank you South Africa,” she said on receiving the award at the ceremony at Sun City’s Superbowl on Sunday.
“My proudest moment was sailing over that finish line waving the South African flag.”
Neuschäfer was the only female sailor to contest last year’s Golden Globe race which required competitors to circumnavigate the globe without the use of modern technology or the benefit of satellite-based navigation aids. She set off in September 2022 and reached the finish line in France almost eight months later on Freedom Day, 27 April 2023.
“I would say never let yourself get put into a box… for me, I was there as a competitor in my sport and in that moment, gender was not an issue and that’s how it should be,”she said.
Epic Solo Voyage
The 41-year-old sailor’s epic 48 000km solo voyage also included a dramatic mid-ocean rescue when one of her fellow competitors got into trouble and needed urgent assistance.
Also at the awards ceremony on Sunday was a thrilled SA Sailing president Michael Robinson, who once again hailed Neuschäfer for her incredible achievements.
“What a fabulous recognition by the sporting fraternity of Kirsten’s special achievement,” he said.
“It is one thing to excel when the entire country is behind you and the grandstands are full of supporters and funding is unlimited. But when you are alone, sailing a boat you prepared and funded alone, and sailing it alone through some of the most inhospitable oceans without support – that is truly heroic!”
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi received two awards for Sport Star of the Year and People’s Choice of the Year, which was voted by the public, while Eben Etzebeth was named Sportsman of the Year.
Other accolades received by the Boks included Team of the Year, Coach of the Year (Jacques Nienaber) and Newcomer of the Year (Manie Libbok).
Rugby also received two other gongs, for Administrator of the Year (SA Rugby Union president Mark Alexander) and National Federation of the Year.
SA Sport Awards Winners
Sport Star of the Year: Siya Kolisi (Springboks)
Sportsman of the Year: Eben Etzebeth (Springboks)
Sportswoman of the Year: Kirsten Neuschäfer (Sailing South Africa)
People’s Choice of the Year: Siya Kolisi (Springbok)
Sportsman of the Year With a Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (Para Athletics)
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simone Kruger (Para Athletics)
Team of the Year: Springboks
Newcomer of the Year: Manie Libbok (Springboks)
Coach of the Year: Jacques Nienaber (Springboks)
National Federation of the Year: South African Rugby Union
Administrator of the Year: Mark Alexander (SA Rugby Union)
Technical Official of the Year: Sean Rapaport (South African Hockey Association)
Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca Ntsanwisi (Vakhegula Vakhegula)
Sport Journalist of the Year: Khanyiso Tshwaku
Visual Journalist of the Year: Samuel Shivambu
Indigenous Games Team of the Year: Diketo Gauteng
Recreation Body of the Year: Amandla Social Enterprises (WC)
School Team of the Year: Hoer Landbouskool Oakdale (Tug of War)
Developing School Team of the Year: Hlabi Secondary School (Netball).