She is back. But different. She is no longer the same Liezl Gouws. Japan has changed her. It happened about 100 km away from the shadow of Mount Fuji and its snow-capped crown. Every drop of sweat was exchanged for wisdom and experience.
Liezl (23) recently ended fifth in the T37 final of the 400 m at the Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan. It was the second Paralympics for this native of Klerksdorp and student at the North-West University.
“It was really a great experience, and I had to keep on reminding myself to capture moments, like just sitting in the stadium and watching the other athletes. I also had to remind myself that, regardless of my performance, I got myself there. Just being in the Olympic Village was an experience you cannot really describe. Kneeling in the starting blocks alongside the world’s top athletes … realising that there is no higher level than this, that is just something to be grateful for,” she says.
And then there are the lessons that were learnt.
“It was a great challenge to remain mentally strong for the two weeks we were there. There is a lot of pressure, and yes, knowing you have trained so long for something and you have only this one chance to give your best – there were times that I started to stress.”
These were the times that her own perseverance and a safety net or two were her lifeline. “I am very grateful to the team that supported me – to my coach, Sean Bownes, and his guidance, and to Anuschka van der Merwe. She has been my mental coach. For all the messages from friends and relatives. To the residents of Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom who just encouraged me.”
Liezl’s roommate, Louzanne Coetzee, proved herself thoroughly by winning a silver and a bronze medal. This, together with the encouragement from her fellow members of Team South Africa, was an inspiration to her, explains Liezl, who inspires others herself.
There was heartache too. She was disqualified after the 200 m because she had stepped outside her lane at the bend. And yet this was still her best time for the 200 m. “It was a journey of six years of struggle to achieve that time. I am very proud of it.” Her time in the 400 m was her second best ever. “A fifth place in a final against the world’s best is more than I could have asked for.” And, she adds, it was wonderful to be able to represent her country. “To be able to represent my university.”
She laughs when she looks back. So much to remember. Laughing brings it back.
“The people of Japan are the friendliest nation I have encountered in my life. From the volunteers who helped to the people lining the sidewalks with placards to encourage us. It warms your heart. The organisation of the event could not have been better.”
Her preparation for the 2022 World Championships is already underway. “At this moment I am just looking ahead. It seems as if I have new motivation to work even harder. I am definitely not finished. If it is God’s will, I would definitely like to participate in another Games or two. I am still young and have only reached the age now at which one starts to participate competitively.”
She knows, because she is now different. Japan has changed her. She is wiser and stronger than ever.
Liezl is all determination in Japan
