Toinee raises the stakes in Prague
world record in the 56kg category at nationals in June. When we decided to drop a weight category we set a goal of smashing the current record in the 52kg category too, which I did.”
Botha explained that they needed to make sure she was on target in her new category.
“This was extremely difficult because I was travelling across the world and I needed my nutrition to be on point.
“I had to pack my food for the trip because I still needed to drop some weight before my weigh-in on the 16th where I came in under the target at 51.9kg.”
Botha’s coach, David Cross, said the goal was to get Botha to world champs and that she needed proper planning if she were to stand a chance of victory.
“All of her training was pre-planned months ahead of time to peak her just in time for the competition,” he said.
“Just reaching world champs was an amazing feat in itself. The win and the world record were all just the cherry on top of an incredible year of hard work, discipline and sheer determination to change her life round.”
He said given the numbers Toinee reached during training and the way her preparations were going, he had no doubt in his mind that the new world champ would take the win and set a new record.
“We have a lot of work to do technique
“We’re going to get together working on her movement, technique and building a stronger foundation to really cement her place as a champion.
“We want to smash all her records at next year’s world championships because when Toinee sets her mind to something there’s nothing she can’t achieve.”