Maties Sport Women’s Month Articles
“Grit determines life challenges will neither deter nor defeat us. Grace gives kindness to ourselves and others even when it’s hard.”
During the month of August – celebrated as Women’s Month in South Africa – we at Maties Sport will take the opportunity to celebrate some of the extraordinary women who – with grit and grace – makes a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and the university sport environment.
Justine Palframan – Legendary Maties Sport student-athlete
For the past nine years Justine Palframan has been adding to her status at Maties Sport’s legend on a regular basis.
Justine – a 200m and 400m athlete – is the ultimate student-athlete for while achieving her various degrees she also participated in the Olympics (Rio 2016) and World Championships (2013, 2015, 2017), won a world title at the World Student Champs in 2015 and various South African senior titles in both the 200 and 400m since she started her life as a Matie in 2013.
Her list of accolades and accomplishments are endless, but for Justine legacy is more about what else besides results on the track she leaves behind. Her role as a woman in society and as role-model is important.
“When I leave Maties I would like to have made an impact. No matter how big or small this impact is. I would like someone to look at what I’ve achieved and the journey I’ve been on and be filled with hope for their story,” said Justine.
“Women’s Month is a time to celebrate all the amazing women in our lives, to celebrate what they have achieved and the important roles they play in our society.”
Regarding challenges she added: “When it comes to women in sport there is still not enough opportunities, there is a lack of development of younger female athletes and no long-term plan to keep female athletes in the sport.”
For some not qualifying for the Olympics would or could have been devastating, but for Justine living in and appreciating the moment is more important. Her current motto is proof of that.
“What I have recently tried to live by is: ‘Go with the flow. Force nothing. Let it happen… trusting that whichever way it goes. It’s for the best.’ This is a quote from Mandy Hale. I am trying to let go of the expectations in life (external and internal) and let life be the way it is and not the way I think it should be. To be present in every moment of my life, the good and the bad.”
Her advice for girls who want to make sport their life: “I believe you should live life holistically, sport doesn’t need to be your life for you to love it and be passionate about it. Focus on your sport but don’t forget about experiencing everything life can offer you. Remember to make time for those who are important to you and for your hobbies. If you are happy, you will perform better and you will be ready for life after sport.”