Paralympian Ilse Hayes inspires with every step

Paralympian Ilse Hayes inspires with every step

We caught up with Paralympian Ilse Hayes before she headed to Rio for the Paralympic Games.

The visually-impaired sprinter hasn't allowed anything to hold her back on the track and serves as a testament to the power of determination and lots of practice. At the last Paralympic Games in London in 2012, Ilse made us proud, bringing home a silver medal for her 100 metre sprint and a gold one for her world class long jump. Now the talented track star is prepping for yet more golden glory for the upcoming games in Rio.

Fortunately, a sense of determination against all odds is something Ilse developed from an early age. Something else that helps gives Ilse her strength is the love and support she receives from her biggest fan, Cassie Carstens, her high school-sweetheart-turned-husband of seven years. To date, Ilse's competed at three Paralympic Games and brought home a total of two gold medals, two silvers and a bronze. Ilse's other achievements include two gold medals at the IPC Athletics World Championship in 2011 for the long jump and 100 metres sprint.

It’s not all about training though. Thanks to a degree in Sports Science from Stellenbosch University Ilse knows the important of healthy eating. 

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