Girls Only ProjectGirls Only ProjectGirls Only ProjectGirls Only Project
  • Home
  • About GOP
    • Vision & Mission
  • Ambassadors
  • Features
  • Newsroom
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Commonwealth Games weightlifting bronze medallist – Mona Pretorius – writes to her younger self

    Home Features Commonwealth Games weightlifting bronze medallist – Mona Pretorius – writes to her younger self
    NextPrevious

    Commonwealth Games weightlifting bronze medallist – Mona Pretorius – writes to her younger self

    By Kirsten van Heerden | Features, Newsroom | 0 comment | 11 June, 2018 | 1

    Dear 12-year-old Mona

    When your dad suggests you start weightlifting to help with explosive power for Karate, you are not going to like it at all. You will do it because you know dad knows what’s best for you, but it will take a while to learn to love the sport.

    You are going to experience the world, and yourself as a woman, in a whole new way through weightlifting – and, if you give it a chance, you are going to fall in love with the sport. It will give you new dreams and opportunities, will bring disappointment and struggle, and will provide moments of joy and happiness. Weightlifting will eventually become a way of life.

    So right up front let me tell you this: don’t give up.

    People will tell you that girls shouldn’t lift weights, and that if you take up the sport you are going to look like a man. Don’t listen to a word these people say (even when they make you cry some days because of their lack of understanding). With the right coach and smart training, girls can do anything they want to do, and you are going to meet some of the strongest most feminine women s you travel the world competing. In fact, it is these women that will help you feel even more comfortable in your own skin, and who will show you that strength has a beauty all of its own.

    People often talk about grit and a no quitting mentality when it comes to success, you are going to need all of that and more over the 15 years of your career. From being the youngest weightlifter ever (you were only 14) to represent SA as a senior at an international meet,  you will go on to miss out on an Olympic Games and have two bad Commonwealth Games. During these times you are going to have to hold onto the fact that you love what you do, but are not defined by how heavy a weight you can lift. Theses times will show you that you are so much more than an athlete and have so much more to give.

    You are going to learn that although you love weightlifting, your passion also lies in helping others reach their potential – both physically and mentally. Your love of reading and learning will help you in pursuit of this goal. Don’t let anyone tell you that studying is not for elite athletes – in fact its studying that will often keep you focused and feeling safe in the knowledge that you have a life outside of sport and a life you are building for long after you’ve stop competing. You are going to end up with you own gym (yes, how cool is that!) and find such pleasure in helping other athletes reach their own dreams.

    In the end, when you hold that 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medal in your hand, all the tears and hard work will be worth it! But don’t forget, you are more than a medal and life has so much more for you than just this one moment.

    Trust the process.

    You are tougher than you think you are.

    Follow your own path.

    You’re going places my girl – enjoy every bit of the ride!

    X

    Mona

     

     

    No tags.

    Related Post

    • Toni McCann

      By Kirsten van Heerden | 0 comment

      What a privilege to be able to chat to Toni about her journey so far! Toni shared what it is like to struggle with our identity and who we are when we loose the thingRead more

    • Heather Clark

      By Kirsten van Heerden | 0 comment

      Heather Clark is one of South Africa’s most decorated surfers ever, and was a true trailblazer and pioneer for women’s surfing. Over her 14 year professional career (including 8 years on the World Championship TourRead more

    • Wenda Nel

      By Kirsten van Heerden | 0 comment

      Wenda Nel is a 400m South African Hurdler. Wenda has been a professional athlete for over 12 years and has some impressive achievements during this time! She competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016, wonRead more

    • Kirsten Landman

      By Kirsten van Heerden | 0 comment

      Kirsten tells us about her epic career so far being the first African women to complete the Dakar Rally! Kirsten has overcome some tough times and has some great advice for those youngsters coming upRead more

    • Natalie Rudman

      By Kirsten van Heerden | 0 comment

      Natalie Rudman is an eight-time South African freediving record holder who teaches freediving and yoga that is specifically aimed towards helping you with freediving. Natalie shared her amazing journey and story with me! she hasRead more

    • Zintle Mpupha

      By Kirsten van Heerden | 0 comment

      Zintle is the SA Women’s Rugby 7’s team captain. Zintle also played cricket and rugby for Border. Zintle has had to make some tough decisions in her career but has always stuck to her gutRead more

    • Caroline Burckle

      By Kirsten van Heerden | 0 comment

      Caroline has an extensive list of achievements! To name a few she was NCAA swimmer of the year in 2008, broke the oldest standing NCAA record in the 500 yard freestyle. During her 4 yearRead more

    • Iris Slappendel

      By Kirsten van Heerden | 0 comment

      Iris is a former Dutch professional road cyclist and Dutch National Champion. Iris is a strong advocate for equality in road cycling and has been doing some amazing work within women’s cycling to help achieveRead more

    NextPrevious
    Loading

    Recent Posts

    • Toni McCann
    • Heather Clark
    • Wenda Nel
    • Kirsten Landman
    • Natalie Rudman

    Archives

    • November 2020
    • August 2020
    • February 2020
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • September 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016
    • April 2016
    Copyright 2019 Girls Only Project / Website designed by HYKANO | All Rights Reserved
    • Home
    • About GOP
      • Vision & Mission
    • Ambassadors
    • Features
    • Newsroom
    • Podcast
    • Contact Us
    Girls Only Project