SHE’S used to having someone by her side, guiding her as she races around the running tracks of the world in pursuit of a place on the podium.
But Louzanne Coetzee has someone else by her side now – and as far as she’s concerned she’s won the gold medal of life.
The 30-year-old Paralympian recently wed the love of her life, Jeandré Badenhorst (32), in a joyful celebration made all the more magical by the inclusion of two very special members of the wedding party.
The ring-bearers were Louzanne’s guide dogs, labradors Isabel and Oakley – treasured members of the bride’s family who very nearly stole the show.
“Oakley has been with me for 12 years and she’s retired now,” Louzanne tells YOU from their Bloemfontein home soon after their return from honeymoon.
“I’ve had Isabel for a year and a half,” she says. “The dogs are an integral part of my life and my mobility and they’re like family to me.”
The dogs wore jackets specially made for them, with the rings attached to little pockets on the garments. “It was an emotional day and having my guide dogs a part of it was very special.”
Louzanne is enjoying a few days off before diving head-first back into training for the qualifying rounds for what will hopefully be her third Paralympic Games, to be held in Paris next year.
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 2 November 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 2 November 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
MR COOL
Rocker Lenny Kravitz has just turned 60-and he's as much of a sex symbol as ever
LAST RALLY FOR RAFA
Nadal's early exit from RolandGarros calls into question his Grand Slam future. We look back at his smash-hit career
BEYOND THE MOUSTACHE
Tom Selleckon Magnum, peta Oe handsome for Hollywood and why he wishes people would realise theres mor to him than his famous facial hair
HOPE FOR DEMENTIA
More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia and it's estimated this number will double every 20 years. But researchers believe there's light at the end of the tunnel
HE'S GOT THE X-FACTOR!
Eric's record-breaking collection of X-Men memorabilia is worth a small fortune
MADE FROM SCRATCH
Every morsel of food Nara feeds her family is homemade - but not everyone is impressed
INNOCENT'S GOT TALENT
South African tenor wins hearts in London with his impressive opera skills
'NOBODY LISTENED'
These sisters say they were sexually abused 50 years ago by family friends - and they want their day in court
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
The votes have been cast, counted and announced, but is South Africa ready for a new government? The experts think so
A LOW PROFILE
Cancer-stricken Kate isn't rushing her return to public life but behind the scenes she's keeping busy with work and family life