Mariette Van Heerden

Mariette Van Heerden
Personal information
Born (1952-11-22) 22 November 1952 (age 72)
Southern Rhodesia
Medal record
Women's discus
Representing  Zimbabwe
African Championships
Silver medal – second place 1985 Cairo Discus

Margaritha Constantia "Mariette" Van Heerden (born 22 November 1952) is a Zimbabwean former discus thrower and shot puter. Van Heerden was born in Southern Rhodesia but grew up in South Africa and was the holder of South African records in shot put and discus throw as well as a multiple South African champion in both these events (1980 and 1981). She was awarded Springbok colours during the years of the international sports boycott of South Africa.[1]

Van Heerden competed in the discus at the 1984 Summer Olympics, representing Zimbabwe.[2] She also represented Zimbabwe in the discus at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, 1983 World Championships and 1985 African Championships in Athletics. Van Heerden also competed in the shot put at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Van Heerden is still the Zimbabwean record holder in women's shot put (15.58 metres, set on 20 January 1974) and women's discus (55.70 metres, set on 25 March 1984).

Van Heerden moved back to South Africa after 1987 and is the mother of South African swimmer Katheryn Meaklim.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Russouw, Johann. "History of the Olympics" The Medalist. October 2012: p.9 Retrieved 4 December 2017
  2. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Mariette Van Heerden Olympic Results". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 2 December 2017.


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