Where are they now? Natalie Du Toit

As a Commonwealth champion and the first amputee to qualify for the able-bodied Olympic Games and compete in an able-bodied Commonwealth Games final, Du Toit redefined what’s possible, winning multiple gold medals in Para Swimming.

Celebrated for her extraordinary achievements and unwavering resilience, Du Toit continues to inspire as a passionate advocate for inclusivity in sports, shaping the future for aspiring athletes everywhere. This feature dives into her current work and continued dedication to community engagement, showing how Du Toit’s passion and influence remain strong as ever, carrying her legacy beyond the pool.

What are the standout moments from your time as an athlete in the Commonwealth Games?

My international swimming journey began at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 age 14. I remember swimming the Individual Medley a few lanes away from my all-time idol, Suzy O’Neill. Nerves were running at an all-time high and uncertainty on how well I would do was certainly running through my mind.

At the time, I saw it as my first step towards the Olympic dream, with qualifying standards pushing athletes toward Olympic-level performance. However, I didn’t plan for how my first race unfolded.

You see, I missed my first race and went through so many emotional and challenging moments at the Games and thereafter.

Fast forward four years to the Manchester 2002 Games. I had since been through a life-altering motorbike accident that resulted in the loss of my left leg through the knee. Returning as an S9 athlete, I competed in the only two multi-disability events on the calendar, including and the 800m Freestyle abled-bodied event, where I qualified for the finals.

I shared my story in the call-up room, and someone asked, “Are you the young lady who missed her race in KL? We searched everywhere for you!” That was a turning point moment from being known as the swimmer who missed her race, to become the disabled athlete who would go on to win two multi-disability gold medals, break world records and make the able-bodied 800m Freestyle final, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

My crowning moment of that Games was receiving the David Dixon Award at the closing ceremony, in the rain, while I stood on stage with curly hair and a cautious step.1

Looking back on both experiences, from the young swimmer who missed her first race and the determined athlete who won golds and broke records, were crucial personal successes that profoundly shaped my career.

How has your life and career changed since the Commonwealth Games, both in and out of sports?

The Commonwealth Games were truly transformative for my life and career, shaping me in ways I couldn’t have imagined back in 1998 when I first competed. It marked the start of a chapter that taught me resilience, adaptability and the power of persistence.

Competing at such a high level challenged me physically and mentally, fueling my growth and passion for pushing boundaries. Qualities I’ve carried forward in all areas of my life.

Outside of sports, the Games opened doors I hadn’t considered, especially in disability advocacy and inclusion.

I got to represent disabled athletes in multi-disability events and later in able-bodied events, giving me a unique platform to show what’s possible and to share a message of resilience and empowerment, although sometimes this was a negative perception amongst sports people. 

My journey didn’t end when I retired. It set the foundation for my career beyond the pool as a motivational speaker, digital marketer, content creator and an advocate for accessibility and inclusion - something I love doing.

I’ve had the biggest privilege of using my story to inspire others, whether in the corporate world, in schools, or on social media. Teamwork, dedication, dreaming big and overcoming obstacles continues to influence everything I do, on a daily basis.

Can you talk about the challenges and victories you've encountered in your career since the Commonwealth Games and how they shaped your journey?

It all begins with opportunity and the belief that anything is possible. 

We knew we could compete at the Commonwealth Games level and fortunately, I had amazing people fighting for me to ensure I was not be put in a box [as only a para athlete]. 

This opportunity was a critical factor because, as a disabled athlete, I often encountered opposing views: some felt I should only compete in disabled categories, while others argued that I was “too good” for those events and should compete alongside non-disabled athletes. Despite the challenges, we turned this idea into reality, creating an extraordinary life in every way.

Serving as the para representative on the Commonwealth Games Federations’ Athletes' Advisory Commission, I quickly saw the vast differences and the gaps to access resources across different continents, trying to bring this narrative across in all conversations. 

Opportunities for training, equipment and even basic classification processes were far from equal. I was one of the fortunate few who could compete alongside non-disabled athletes as the fight for inclusion continued.

Going against the grain has not been easy, especially in a world where true understanding of disability and inclusion is still evolving, but I do hope that my journey helps lead the way for a future where all athletes have the same opportunities to shine regardless of their abilities.

Have you stayed active in your sport or sports community after the Commonwealth Games? If yes, what role do you play?

I remained deeply connected to the sports community for a few years after retiring from sports, shifting my focus toward advocacy, mentorship and serving on various committees. 

I have taken on roles that allow me to champion inclusivity in business for businesses and work toward creating more equitable opportunities for people with disabilities with my knowledge and experience in sports (I often find that sports are ahead in many ways).

How has your view on your sport and accomplishments shifted since your Commonwealth Games experience?

As my career deepened at each Commonwealth Games and as I served on the Athlete Commission, [I saw, while in the role] the growth of disability events and the change for inclusivity of athletes with disabilities.

I have loved hearing and seeing the difficult conversations discussed, and to be honest, I advocate for the inclusion of disabled people into non-disabled event when it's fair for all.

I am a little disappointed in the few disabled athletes competing with able-bodied athletes, especially as there are more and more ‘fair' opportunities available. 

My work life has been a good challenge overall and the lessons I learned while training and striving for the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and Olympic/Paralympic Games stand me in good stead. 

With all that we go through in our country, I was adamant about moving out of sport and becoming a business success. 

Tell us about projects or causes you're passionate about or working on.

I relied on sponsors throughout my sporting career, offering speaking engagements and meeting opportunities.

We created a brand around who I am, what is important to me and more. We always gave back to those less fortunate through programmes, funds and more and never took any form of sponsorship for granted. 

Knowing how this all came about, along with the opportunities it afforded, it became my passion to do the same for others. 

I wish to build brands digitally, creating content focused on search engine optimisations, social media and all the tools necessary for marketing to clients. Some advice given to me was to create a personal storyboard as my portfolio and in doing so, I get to share my story and experiences, thanking those who allowed me to achieve my dreams. 

It has been challenging to believe in myself after playing sports and finding my passion, but one thing is clear: I love growing others. 

In what ways have you used your Commonwealth Games experience to motivate and guide the next generation or those facing similar challenges?

Losing a limb in an accident at the age of 14 and facing each day having to put a prosthesis on, it is a conscious decision to get up and live a positive day. 

Having experienced being non-disabled and disabled in different areas of sport, business, and life, I try to open the minds of others to what inclusion truly is through motivational speaking, social media posts, campaigns, and general advice.

The why is so important to focus on and although I am no longer involved in sport, I like to bring the opportunities that life brings for anyone and everyone to the business world and beyond inspiring as we go along. 

The lessons that sport taught me have been the pinnacle of life for me and that keep me going and I wish for everyone to experience them. 

Looking back, what lessons or skills from your Commonwealth Games journey have been valuable in your life beyond sports?

In my opinion, the Commonwealth Games is an important stepping stone for us in South Africa. We use this competition to measure our abilities against the best in the Commonwealth.

Having had my first ever platform to compete in both the non-disabled events and the disabled events at the same competition has challenged me and the perception of others, which might take a few more years for many to understand, especially with the intricacies of disabilities, but I’m glad I was one of the people with disabilities to experience this and try and help create change and awareness. 

Sometimes, it is that one thing that makes us believe anything is possible, and that specific 2002 Manchester Games was that one thing that set my dreams in motion again. 

Resilience is beautiful, but without opportunity, it is impossible to act.

What advice do you have for aspiring athletes eyeing the Commonwealth Games or other international competitions?

Anything is possible, so be that shining star that you are!

My favourite Commonwealth Games was the Manchester Games in 2002. I made friends, had fun and participated in the activities in the village (which happened to be student dorms). Most importantly, I did things I had never done before and achieved things I had never dreamed I would achieve. 

Keep the games as friendly as they have always been. These are lessons that transcend your sporting career. 

Just know - it is possible!

Can you share a personal or professional achievement post-Commonwealth Games that you take pride in?

I wouldn’t call it an achievement, but I am so grateful for my tenacity and hard work to persevere through any storm that might arise.

Achievements come and go, but the person that sport has made me is by far my most significant accomplishment, and I am incredibly grateful to all those who went on that journey with me. 

I hope they are proud, and I hope to achieve so much more.

1. The David Dixon Award is an award given to the most outstanding athlete at each Commonwealth Games as voted for by their peers. The award is named after David Dixon, who was the honorary secretary of the Commonwealth Games Federation for 17 years. The inaugural award was presented in 2002 at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.