Sho Madjozi beams with pride over her sister Zora's swimming achievements

South African musician star Sho Madjozi is beaming with pride as her younger sister, Zora Wegerif, has been selected to represent the country at the Virtus World Swimming Championships in Thailand.

The multi-award-winning artist shared the exciting news on social media. “My little sister swims for the South African national team. 🇿🇦 🏊🏼‍♂️

“Zora is ranked number 1 in female swimmers with Down Syndrome in Gauteng and number 2 in South Africa.”

Sho Madjozi, real name Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif, went on to add that Zora works very hard and is very proud.

Last year, Zora qualified for the Trisome Games 2024, an international sporting event specifically for athletes with Down Syndrome, which took place in Turkey.

According to a BackaBuddy page in Zora’s name, she has been independently swimming since the age of eight.

“Swimming has always been so important to Zora’s development. Because she has always competed and done well against swimmers with and without disabilities, swimming has been a space where she enters with confidence and determination to succeed,” says Marc, Zora’s dad.

Zora has two gold medals from the 2018 South African National Special Olympics qualifying gala and four bronze medals in the 2023 National Gala organized by the South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired in Rustenburg.

Zora’s swimming club, Dragons, where she is the only swimmer with Down Syndrome, celebrated her achievement on an Instagram post.

“We are so proud of this achievement, Zora, and to see you representing on the international stage! 👏 Your hard work and dedication has paid off.”'

IOL