Johanita Scholtz: From Childhood Dream to Olympic Badminton Player
Conor Hudson
Sat Jul 27 2024
In the midst of the ups and downs of the Olympic 2024 qualifying campaign, the design of her attire has helped the world's 103rd-ranked badminton player, Johanita Scholtz, cope with the pressures of the Race to Paris. Beyond representing herself and her country on the badminton court at Paris 2024, Scholtz also designs clothing to raise funds for a children's organization.
Scholtz, a girl from Namibia, found her dream sparked at a young age while watching the Olympic Games on TV and aspiring to become an athlete on screen. The journey towards the Olympics truly commenced when she moved to South Africa at 13 to train with coach Johan Kleingeld, who mentored and guided her towards her goals for a decade.
After setbacks in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Scholtz's fortunes turned around last year with victories in Benin International Open and reaching quarterfinals multiple times. She culminated a successful run with a gold medal at the All Africa Games. Her path to Paris 2024 was secured by her high continental ranking, albeit narrowly, in intense matches against top competitors.
Scholtz's passion for designing not only alleviates the pressures of her badminton journey but also allows her to express her creativity outside the sporting arena. Even during tours, she continues to modify her outfits, finding a balance between her athletic pursuits and design endeavors.
Collaborating with the children's organization Badisa, Scholtz creates fashion lines that contribute to the growth and education needs of children in the province. Her involvement with such a socially impactful organization resonates with her desire to make a difference and help those in need, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to philanthropy.
Johanita Scholtz embodies the essence of perseverance, creativity, and altruism as she navigates her badminton career towards the pinnacle of the Olympic Games. By chasing her childhood dream on the badminton court and contributing positively through her design work, she inspires not only aspiring athletes but also advocates for the well-being of children in need.