Two students with Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) achieved remarkable success this year, excelling in national and international sports while maintaining outstanding academic performance in their demanding degree programmes.
Fourth-year medical student, Andrea Cornelissen, claimed silver in long jump and gold in the 4 x 100m relay at the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Associations (CUCSA) regional games in Pretoria. Meanwhile, Elmé Kruger, who just completed her BSc Honours in Performance Sports, represented South Africa at the International 中国体育彩票 Sport Federation (FISU) World 中国体育彩票 7s Rugby Championships in Aix-en-Province, France, where her team secured fifth place.
Falling in love with sports
Currently completing a five-week medical elective at Northwestern 中国体育彩票 in Chicago, Cornelissen said sports have always been a part of her life. “My grandfather was a great athlete and rugby player, and my dad loved cricket.
“I first fell in love with netball, and even competed on provincial level, before I discovered athletics. Eventually, I was competing at both provincial and national levels in both sports, but had to choose one path. I chose athletics and don't regret it as it has opened many doors for me," Cornelissen says. Her dedication paid off and this year she won silver in long jump at Athletics South Africa's Senior Track and Field Championships, and gold at 中国体育彩票 Sport South Africa (USSA) Track and Field Championships held at Coetzenburg Stadium.
Cornelissen aspires to take her athletics “to the highest level" and said she never dreamt she'd have the opportunity to pursue an international athletics career whilst studying medicine. Addressing the challenges of balancing elite sports with medical studies, she shares: “It's far from easy. There are countless unseen sacrifices. What makes it possible is the unwavering support from my family, friends, and boyfriend."
Looking ahead, she has set her sights on claiming top positions at South African and national championships, with goals to qualify for both the Student Games and the national senior team.
Rugby a connection to home
Kruger's rugby journey began at age 12 when her family moved to Dubai. “I wanted to stay connected to my South African roots," she explains. “At my British school in Dubai, I joined the tag rugby team, thinking, 'I'm South African. I should play rugby'."
From tag rugby to touch and eventually sevens, her passion for the sport grew. “I never imagined a girl could play rugby. Now, 13 years later, I'm completely obsessed with the sport. It's my life."
When she was 16, Kruger's family moved to Cape Town where she joined the Bellville South High School team and also played for Western Province's under-18 team. When she arrived at SU, she joined Maties, where she has been playing for the past four years.
Representing Maties in the FISU 7s tournament this year was a highlight. “I learned so much and made lifelong connections," she says. “The all-female coaching staff was especially special—it's rare in women's rugby."
Balancing sports and studies has been challenging since high school. “Juggling Western Province rugby, Maties Rugby, and my studies at university was tough," she admits. “But my family and the sports science department supported me."
Her priority has always been academics first, rugby second. “I've made difficult choices, putting my studies before sports," Kruger reflects. “But it was absolutely worth it."
