Inspiring karateka Luchay Weideman has won Sportswoman of the Year at the Madibaz Sports Awards! Reflecting on her win, she also reflected on how it is a recognition of another goal realised: being the role model she needed as a kid:
Gqeberha, South Africa (04 November 2024) — South African karateka Luchay Weideman is fast becoming the role model she wished she had when she was a kid.
Growing up in the Northern Areas of Gqeberha herself, Luchay knows that young girls there need an example to follow; someone to show them that they do not need to be defined by where they come from, and someone who could be the proof that in life, you do get to choose whether you are a victim or a victor.
“I want to be an example for girls in sports in the Northern Areas because you decide whether your circumstances define you or not,” says Luchay, who has been passionate about karate since childhood.
Luchay began her journey in the martial arts at just four years old after being inspired by her sister Adré. Soon, she found out that talent in the sport ran through their blood.
“I happened to be good at karate and this saw me getting selected for South Africa at the age of seven,” she said. That year, she went on to attend the world championships in Cape Town where she brought home not one, but two gold wins.
Her career had officially been launched, and with her family’s support, karate became a huge part of Luchay’s life.
Luchay went on to become a formidable karateka; and this year she claimed a series of outstanding achievements. With gold medals and her seat at the champion’s table secure, Luchay was named Sportswoman of the Year at the recent Madibaz Sports Awards—a rare occasion for a local karateka.
“It was a big surprise but I feel honoured because karate is commonly overlooked,” she said in reference to the award. “To be recognised in this prestigious way is massive in raising awareness of the sport.”
But for Luchay, it’s not about the silverware. It’s about that ethos of showing young girls what’s possible when a determination is your driving force, and you aren’t afraid to make your presence known.
“I told myself that I wanted to be the role model I never had,” she said.
Even outside of her sport through her academic life at Nelson Mandela University, Luchay was determined to be a presence.
“The varsity experience was a big change from life in the Northern Areas and it was always my goal to make my mark at Nelson Mandela University.
“I learnt that nothing comes without hard work and a certain assertiveness to make it known that you are not just another student; that you have something that makes you special.”
The karateka adds that once you understand this, it helps you grow and excel.
This mindset flows into the way she asserts herself in the karate world. In both her worlds of academia and sport (Luchay also played rugby exceptionally well and represented the Madibaz rugby team at the University Sports SA tournament), her discipline has its own reputation.
“I won’t lie—there were some tough challenges but I was always motivated to do well in academics and sport. For me it’s about discipline. Planning your day and sticking to the programme is the bottom line.”
She adds that it’s important to be comfortable in knowing that you need support in a balancing act like this.
“You must remember that nobody is an island and having a strong support system is one of the keys to success.”
In addition to her sports and human movement science studies, Luchay teaches at her parents’ karate club in Parkside—a full circle moment for her to give back to the younger generation and the next generation of South Africa karateka icons. Next month, she’s up to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Durban.
Sources: Supplied
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