Young karateka a role model for the children back home

Gqeberha karateka Luchay Weideman is fast becoming the role model she yearns to be for the children in her community following a series of outstanding achievements in 2024.

The 22-year-old national representative earned a string of gold medals in various competitions but said there was more to her life than just collecting silverware.

After being named Sportswoman of the Year at the recent Madibaz Sport Awards, she felt that she was beautifully placed to inspire others.

“I told myself that I wanted to be the role model I never had,” the human movement science student said.

“I want to be an example for girls in sport in the Northern Areas (where she grew up) because you decide whether your circumstances define you or not.”

She believed that one could either be a victor or victim and that it was all about what you put in that determined what you would get out.

The slightly-built Weideman said she soon learnt to make her presence felt.

“The varsity experience was a big change from life in the Northern Areas and it was always my goal to make my mark at Mandela University,” she said.

“I learnt that nothing comes without hard work and a certain assertiveness to make it known that you are not just another student; that you have something that makes you special.”

Once you find that, she added, it helped you to grow and excel.

The Madibaz student’s journey in the sport started at the age of four by merely following in her sister Adré’s footsteps. The latter, incidentally, is now her coach.

She immediately showed that she had an instinctive feel for it.

“I happened to be good at karate and this saw me getting selected for South Africa at the age of seven.”

She attended the world championships in Cape Town that year (2009) and won two golds.

With her career firmly “launched” and her family intimately involved, the sport quickly become a passion of hers.

“It has taught me discipline and at the moment I teach at my parents’ karate club in Parkside, which allows me to give back to younger generations.”

Weideman, who will represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Durban next month, was grateful for what her award meant for the sport.

“It was a big surprise but I feel honoured because karate is commonly overlooked. To be recognised in this prestigious way is massive in raising awareness of the sport.”

Not one for half measures, she also has an alter-ego who represented the Madibaz rugby team at the University Sports SA tournament.

Being successful at two very different codes while keeping her studies at an equally high level called for a balancing act second to none.

“I won’t lie – there were some tough challenges but I was always motivated to do well in academics and sport.

“For me, it’s about discipline. Planning your day and sticking to that programme is the bottom line.

“Also, you must remember that nobody is an island and having a strong support system is one of the keys to success.”