Simone Kruger targets more discus success at World Champs, Para Games

After an impressive throw of 38.1 metres at the World Championships in Paris last year, Kruger is determined to defend her title in Kobe, Japan, in May, and has her sights set on securing a gold medal at the Paralympics in Paris come September. Sharing her ambitions for the year, Kruger discussed her goals in an interview with SABC Sport.

"We have our World Champs in Kobe, Japan, in May, so we're working towards going to the World Champs, if we can, then it's Paralympics and Worlds in the same year," said an excited Kruger, speaking to SABC Sport.

"It's going to be a tough challenge, but if we can [qualify], we want to work for that and I'm going to then go to defend my title because I have the title from last year.

"So, it's going to be to defend my title and get the gold medal again, but also the big challenge and the big one we're working for is the Paralympics 2024 in Paris.

"I think, for me, getting the gold medal there and maybe breaking the world record again is going to be the biggest achievement that I could do, and I think we're working towards that goal, definitely."

In a groundbreaking move, Athletics South Africa (ASA) incorporated disabled athletes into its annual awards, and Kruger received the prestigious Female Sportswoman of the Year award. 

She sees this recognition as a motivating force propelling her towards greater success in what promises to be a busy year for the sport. 

"It's a first for disabled sports to actually be involved in the ASA Awards, so it was just a big honour to just be here and receive the award, and be recognised for it because we don't get that many opportunities to get awarded for things we do, so it was just amazing for me," she said.

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