It is perhaps fitting that she has decided to end her athletics career during Women's Month, just days before the end of the Paralympics.

She is beautiful, courageous, and intelligent - and she does not let adverse circumstances bring her down.

The woman I am referring to is Natalie du Toit.

She deserves to go down in history as an embodiment of courage and determination .

She has competed in both the Olympics and Paralympics and, as if that is not enough to make one's jaw drop, she has won a score of medals for South Africa.

Many of us could learn from her fighting spirit.

She has proved that one's potential is more than one might at first believe.

Her journey in life is one all women can learn from.

I wish her well in her future endeavours. May South Africa breed more women of her calibre and courage.