From a late start to national success, this passionate skater proves that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.
Gauteng, South Africa (10 July 2025) – A promise that led to a life changing obsession and passion. Unlike most competitive figure skaters who lace up their first pair of skates before school, for Mathilda du Plessis it was a completely different story. Thanks to a promise she made to her best friend, Mathilda only stepped onto the ice at the age of 11.
“I was a very stubborn child,” she admits. “Even at birthday parties, I refused to skate. But I promised my best friend I’d try for her 11th birthday. From the moment I stepped on the ice, I fell in love. The freedom, the thrill, the wind in my hair, it became more than a sport. It became an obsession.”
Entering the sport at a later stage than most skaters didn’t make things easy. Many of her competitors had nearly a decade’s head start. However, this was motivation for Mathilda to take every challenge head-on, with faith, focus and sheer determination.
Through intense daily training, Mathilda worked her way up to national level in singles, ice dance and synchronised skating. One of her major milestones came when she passed her High Performance tes, by delivering two clean programmes back to back after being on the brink on hanging her skates and giving up.
Coach Konrad Giering of Evolution on Ice has witnessed her transformation.
“Mathilda stands out not just as a skater, but as a person. She brings a calm, supportive energy to every session. She leads with quiet consistency and always uplifts those around her. Her journey proves that passion and persistence matter more than when you start.”
Now a psychology student, Mathilda has shifted her focus from singles to ice dance and synchro, disciplines she finds more creative and collaborative.
“I love the freedom of embodying different characters through music. And being part of a team, especially travelling overseas with Gauteng North’s synchro team, has been such a bonding experience. This year, I’m team captain and it’s teaching me so much about leadership.”
She also gives back by coaching and mentoring young skaters as a TAP coach and athlete rep.
Looking ahead, Mathilda’s goals include passing her top-level skating test, continuing to compete, and staying involved in coaching.
Her journey is proof that it’s never too late to start.
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