When your motto is “to give my everything at every practice and every meeting” it is no surprise that success follows Anya de Ridder.
The 16-year-old Grade 10 DF Malherbe High School learner was placed first overall in the u/19 Girls’ age group at the recent Interprovincial Biathlon meeting.
Not only did Anya receive the gold medal for her individual performances, but she also got to lift the trophy as the captain of the winning Eastern Province team.
She enjoys the captaincy role.
“I like to assist and motivate the little ones. It was an honour to receive the trophy on behalf of the team,” said Anya.
Anya loves swimming and running, so biathlon is the perfect sport for her, where she gets to participate in both.
“The bonus is you get to travel to different provinces to compete and meet many new people who are passionate about the same sport as me,” De Ridder explained.
She grew up in a sporting environment, and started swimming at Nemo Swimming School from Grade 1.
“By the age of three I was swimming freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. I was fully water safe by then.
“At the school athletics days I really enjoyed long distance running. This led me to biathlon in 2016, and I loved it straight away,” said Anya.
In 2017 she represented Eastern Province at the South African Biathlon Championships in Paarl, and every year since (except for the Covid years).
The Olympian Natalie du Toit is a role model for Anya.
“She lost her leg in a car accident, but that did not stop her.
“She swims just as fast as any able bodied swimmer. The loss of her leg did not deter her from following her goals and dream.
“That is pure determination and hard work, which makes me work hard to reach my goals and to never give up,” said Anya about why Du Toit is such an inspiration.
Although De Ridder is clearly a natural, she still has to work hard to stay on top of her game.
“I run anything from an hour to an hour-and-a-half per day, and swim for one hour every second day. I play hockey during the winter season.”
Anya must then still find time for her schoolbooks, and is very involved in cultural activities.
How does she manage such a full day?
“The only way to cope is to work according to a schedule. Most nights I have to go to bed late to complete my homework.
“I would like to further my studies after school. My aim is to excel in my sport and apply for a sports bursary at a university.”
Next year there are also some other exciting events waiting for Anya. She will represent South Africa at the Stars of the Universe competition, the International Performing Arts Championships, and the Mediterranean Legends.
The De Ridder household may soon run out of space for all the medals.
