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.
Compiled by: Justine Fortuin Photographs: Gypseenia Lion
