Colette Uys: Underdog first year medicine student who won FISU bronze

The 25-year-old Tuks medicine student was making her debut at the event and her 17.34 throw was enough to get her a podium finish. 

Speaking to SABC Sport in Rhine-Ruhr, the first year student described herself as an underdog and late bloomer. 

"This is my first big event, I've never been to World U20s, never been to U20 African Games and things. So, this is the first time competing against the rest of the world, it's a good experience for me," Uys said.

"It's very nice, I'm very very grateful, first of all never give up, I was never number one in South Africa in high school, and the majority of the people that competed against me stopped eventually. So, just keep on keeping on. Do what you love and don't let anyone tell you, you can't do anything." 

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Uys said her preparations were a mixed bag.

"I kind of got an injury two days prior to coming here, so it's not been easy but I expected to throw an 18. Practice has been going really well, so that's what I wanted, unfortunately I didn't get it but I still have the bronze so I'm really, really happy with that,” she added.

“Through my head it was difficult to stay focused, the first time doing qualifying rounds and then final and then also being on tv. It's frightening being there in the circle trying to concentrate and then you see your face on the screen. So, I was trying to stay mentally in the game."

She added that her participation in shot put went a long way in breaking the “stereotype” around the sport. 

"I think it's more breaking the stereotype, as a girl, I was told 'You're big' or 'You're stronger than the guys' like what are you doing? I could have stopped because of that, so it's kinda just, don't listen to people, do what you do. If you are good and you're strong, keep on doing it."