Louzanne Coetzee made South Africa and the University of the Free State (UFS) proud by winning a bronze medal in the women's 1 500 m T11 event at the 2024 Paralympics held in the iconic Stade de France on 2 September 2024. Coetzee, alongside her guide Estean Badenhorst, finished the race in a remarkable personal best time of 4:35.49, slicing five seconds off her previous record from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. This achievement not only marks her second medal at the Paralympics, but also highlights her exceptional talent as a para-athlete competing in the fastest race ever recorded for T11 athletes.

Coetzee's journey has been inspiring – born with Leber congenital amaurosis, she has overcome significant challenges to excel in athletics. As Sport Coordinator at KovsieSport and Residence Head of Akasia Residence, she balances her professional commitments with her athletic pursuits.

Following her bronze medal triumph, Coetzee is set to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games’ 42,195 km marathon on Sunday 8 September 2024 at 08:30, featuring a challenging 185 m climb.

As she prepares for this next challenge, the nation is rallying behind her, celebrating her achievements and wishing her the best of luck in the marathon. Coetzee's determination and resilience serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, and her recent success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

As Coetzee continues to inspire with her athletic prowess, the UFS community eagerly awaits her next race and wishes her all the best for Sunday’s race.