Get It Bloemfontein sat down for an exclusive Q&A with three remarkable young athletes who recently represented South Africa at the Olympics for the very first time. Each hailing from Bloemfontein, they share their inspiring journeys, Olympic experiences, and the unique role the City of Roses has played in shaping them as athletes.
Taheera Augousti: SA hockey player & 1st time Olympian
Taheera Augousti, at just 19, has already made her mark on the global stage as a field hockey player for South Africa. Coming from a sporty family, Taheera was introduced to sports at a very young age, eventually finding her heart drawn to hockey at the age of six. With her sights set on becoming one of the best, she focused entirely on hockey, and her passion and hard work have taken her to the Olympic Games – a dream turned reality.
“Playing at the Olympic Games was a dream come true. It’s a feeling that I cannot explain.”
Q: What was it like to compete at the Paris Olympics? How did that experience compare to other competitions?
A: Competing at the Olympics was a dream come true. It’s hard to put into words just how special it felt, especially because my family was there with me. I also got to play against people I’ve looked up to and who have inspired me throughout my career.
Q: How did it feel to represent South Africa on such a prestigious stage?
A: Standing with my teammates and singing the national anthem on the world stage was surreal. I had goosebumps the first time, and it was a moment I had waited for my entire life. Representing South Africa is something I do with so much pride, and it’s not something many people get the chance to do.
Q: How has growing up and training in Bloemfontein shaped you as an athlete?
A: Growing up in Bloemfontein has definitely played a big role in shaping me as an athlete. Hockey is very big here, and during my school years, the competition between schools was intense. That competition helped me grow and develop my skills, which led me to where I am today.
Q: What challenges have you faced on your journey to the Olympics, and how did you overcome them?
A: Being one of the youngest in the team – I was nervous about making mistakes and letting my team down. But that fear pushed me to work even harder and become better.
Q: What are your future plans in your sporting career?
A: I’m still young, so I’m definitely aiming to go to more Olympic Games. I also have goals to play for a club in The Netherlands and to continuously improve my game.
Q: What advice would you give to young, aspiring athletes, especially those from South Africa?
A: No matter your circumstances or background, you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. You need to be willing to work harder than anyone else and give it everything you’ve got.
Q: Outside of sports, what are some of your personal interests? How do you balance your life as an elite athlete with other passions?
A: I love spending time with my family and friends. It’s easy to balance my personal life with sports because my family understands how busy my schedule is, and they support me through it.
Johanita Scholtz: SA Badminton star & 1st time Olympian
At 24, Johanita Scholtz is a dedicated badminton player for South Africa whose love for sports began when she was just four years old. Growing up, watching her mother play squash, Johanita’s curiosity led her to the badminton courts, where she found her passion. From that moment, she immersed herself in the world of badminton, a sport that challenged her on every level and became her lifelong pursuit. Today, she continues to push the limits of her abilities, fuelled by her unwavering dedication to the game.
“Badminton challenges you in every way possible, and if you know me, I love a challenge.”
Q: What was it like to compete at the Paris Olympics? How did that experience compare to other competitions?
A: Competing in the Paris Olympics was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was exhilarating, and the level of competition was intense. There’s something special about the Olympics—the camaraderie, the respect among athletes, and the pride of representing your country on the world stage. It was the culmination of years of hard work and dreaming.
Q: How did it feel to represent South Africa at such a prestigious event?
A: It was an honour and deeply humbling to represent South Africa. Wearing the national colours on the biggest stage of the sporting world filled me with pride. It’s not just about me – it’s about everyone who has supported me along the way, and all the athletes who have come before me. It was truly unforgettable.
Q: How has growing up and training in Bloemfontein shaped you as an athlete?
A: Growing up in Bloemfontein gave me the belief in my abilities. I’ve had strong mentors, and the community has always been my rock. The support system here is incredible, and I’ve had sparring partners from previous Olympians to national champions. It’s a place that produces strong athletes.
Q: What challenges have you faced on your journey to the Olympics, and how did you overcome them?
A: One of the biggest challenges was staying mentally positive during setbacks. There were times when things didn’t go as expected, but those challenges taught me perseverance. I had a great support structure that helped me stay focused on my goals.
Q: What are your future plans in your sporting career?
A: I’m focused on continuous improvement, with an eye on the 2028 Olympics. I want to compete at the highest level, refine my skills, and contribute to the growth of badminton. Major tournaments leading up to the next Games will be part of that journey.
Q: What advice would you give to young, aspiring athletes?
A: Competing against the world might seem daunting, but we can absolutely compete at the top level. You just have to believe in yourself and never settle for less.
Q: Outside of sports, what are some of your personal interests? How do you balance your life as an elite athlete with other passions?
A: I studied fashion design because I’ve always loved art and fashion. Balancing sports and designing is all about integrating both into my daily routine. It helps me take my mind off one when I need to focus on the other, and that balance has been essential for me.
Kayla Swarts: SA hockey player & 1st time Olympian
From a young age, Kayla Swarts has always been drawn to the outdoors and sports, where her competitive spirit, rooted in family, pushed her to excel. With a deep love for athletics and hockey, her journey as an athlete began almost as soon as she could walk, driven by her desire to constantly improve and be the best version of herself.
“Sharing the Olympic experience with my brother made it all the more special.”
Q: What was it like to compete at the Paris Olympics? How did that experience compare to other competitions you’ve participated in?
A: Representing my country and family at the biggest sporting event in history was honestly something I used to think one can only dream of, but having it come to life felt so surreal. The fact I could share this moment with my brother just made it so much more special. It doesn’t compare to any competition I’ve been to before. The atmosphere we as a team created, starting from the change room going onto the field, brought me so much pride. Being starstruck – seeing my idols strolling around in the Olympic village – and, mostly, the amount of preparation and sacrifice that went into the Games, made it all worthwhile. It finally paid off when I played my first match against Argentina, singing the anthem, realising that a lifelong dream had just come true.
Q: What was it like going to the Olympics with your brother, Wayde? How has his success and world record influenced or inspired your own athletic career?
A: Building up to the Paris Olympics, I often thought back to the moment my brother broke the record in 2016. Just seeing how ecstatic and proud my parents were, and the way it made me feel watching from the stands, made me realise that one day I too want to strive towards competing at the Olympics and bring that sense of joy and pride to my family. It often did get tough during the Olympic preparation, but having someone in my corner who’s overcoming similar obstacles and battles, who’s already been to two Olympic Games, and who shares advice is truly a blessing and not something many people are privileged to have.
Q: How did it feel to represent South Africa at such a prestigious event like the Olympics? What does wearing the national colours on the world stage mean to you personally?
A: Representing my country felt surreal and an absolute honour. Wearing the national colours, especially alongside my brother, made the whole experience even more meaningful.
Q: How has growing up and training in Bloemfontein shaped you as an athlete? Do you feel that the city’s environment and community played a role in your development?
A: I think that the fact that Bloemfontein is such a small town helps eliminate any extra distractions and hassles. Weekends are usually filled with sporting events, and during the week, my parents didn’t have to travel far distances to get to training or attend any extra sessions if needed.
Q: What are your future plans in your sporting career? Do you have your sights set on the next Olympics or any other major goals?
A: After attending the 2024 Olympics, it definitely sparked a flame to strive towards the Games in LA 2028. I now know more of what is required to compete at the highest level and take all the highs and lows as learning lessons while I strive towards that goal.
Q: What advice would you give to young, aspiring athletes, especially those from South Africa, who dream of reaching the Olympic stage one day?
A: To stay committed to their dreams, never give up on yourself. Regardless of your background or current situation, you never know when things may turn in your favour. No one can take your hard work and the extra effort that you put in away from you. It’s all in your hands, so don’t wait for the right opportunities to come to you – create them.
Q: Outside of sports, what are some of your personal interests or passions? How do you balance your life as an elite athlete with other aspects of your life?
A: I really enjoy spending quality time with my family. My brother and I often take trips to go fishing, which is always a good getaway to relax from the everyday routine.
Compiled by: Justine Fortuin Photographs: Gypseenia Lion and Fifteen27 Productions/Lerato Lebaka
