By
Paralympic champion Simone Kruger feels honoured to be recognised as one of the most outstanding performers in athletics after receiving two SA Sports Awards nominations.
Simone is nominated for the 2025 Junior Star of the Year award and for the Sportswomen of Year with a Disability alongside Kgothatso Montjane and Minke Janse van Rensburg.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Kruger believes she has a great chance to win in both categories after enjoying a brilliant season across international championships.
"I would like to win both awards, but I think it is firstly a major honour to be nominated for two SA Sports Awards."
Kruger explains why she thinks 2024 was her best season in Para-athletics, after scooping two gold medals, first at the Paris Paralympics and at the World Championships.
"Last season, was the best season I could have asked for, I won both my titles, I achieved a World Record at World Champs, and a paralympic record at the Paralympics, so I just had thee most amazing year," she said with glee.Â
The 20-year-old discus specialist further unpacks the importance of having a supportive structure as a professional athlete.
"My family and my friends have been through so much with me over the course of this journey, and without them I wouldn't have been able to achieve what I have achieved in my career."
Kruger confirms that she will be participating in two events at the upcoming Para-athletics World Championship taking place in India next month.
