Para-athlete Maria Combrink’s appeal to sporting federations

Combrink broke a world record in women’s F64 shot-put back in 2021, when her throw travelled 11.5 metres away. 

She says there are a lot of different sporting codes where para-athletes can actually be included to compete among able-bodied athletes.

"I think, firstly, when we have different sporting codes, we can start to see if we can have a single event where we have able-bodies competing with the para-athletes," said Combrink.

"So, for instance, if we look at swimming, there would be one major swimming championship and in that [event] will be the para-swimmers as well.

"There are a lot of sporting codes where you can actually do this alongside, for instance, if you look at athletics, if we have standing athletes, it's not that difficult to include them within the same programme as the able-bodies, which will also allow for more exposure."

Combrink, whose left foot had to be amputated after a heavy fall, says in as much as development of para-athletes at school level is important, there needs to be a programme for athletes who acquire disability later in life.

"What we can do is to start looking at truly developing athletes at a school level, but not leaving para-athletes that may acquire disabilities later in life behind," she noted.

"Because when you acquire a disability later in life, it's almost as if you kind of missed the boat on the development of the sport, however, you do have more time or finances available to compete in that sport.

"Also, to include para-athletes will be to have better broadcast and media coverage, better facilities as well as paying towards the development of athletes, and a well thought-out development programme."

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