‘My Dreams have Kept Me Disciplined’ – Youth Field Athletics Star Chay du Plessis

“Sport isn’t something I do, it’s a part of who I am,” says Chay du Plessis, a teenage athlete who has been making waves in multiple field athletics disciplines, and who has competed in top competitions around the country. 

“Every year, I’ve competed at the KZN Provincial Championships in javelin, shot put, discus, and sometimes hammer throw. I’ve also participated in multiple Christian Schools events and represented at the NWU Top 30 competition in Potchefstroom. Every event, big or small, has shaped the athlete I am today.”

Du Plessis’s journey to becoming an athlete started when she was in Grade three and threw a turbo-javelin for the very first time. She won gold at KZN Champs, which also saw her qualify for SA Champs, and this all happened when she was nine years old, in 2016.

She says competing such an achievement at that young age showed her what she is capable of, when it comes to her athletic ability.

“That moment didn’t just show me what I could do; it showed me who I could become. Something inside me ignited that day, and I knew this wasn’t just a hobby. It was a purpose. It was passion. It was the beginning of the dream that has carried me through every high and every setback that followed.”

Scholar Esports Competitor, Chay du Plessis

The matric student from The Wykeham Collegiate used YouTube as a means to teach herself new skills when she didn’t have a coach. This made her realise that working hard when no one was watching would be essential to her success. 

“YouTube became my coach before I ever had one. I spent hours studying slow-motion throws, angles, footwork, and technique from some of the best athletes in the world. When resources were limited, determination became my biggest resource. Watching other athletes succeed taught me not only the technique, but the mindset. If I wanted to be great, I had to work for it, even when no one was watching.”

When asked about her career triumphs, the teenager revealed that meeting an athletics icon was a big highlight, but she also expressed pride in her own resilience. 

“Meeting Jo-Ané du Plessis at NWU Top 30 was a defining moment for me. Seeing someone living the life I dream of reminded me of what I’m fighting for. But if I’m honest, my biggest highlight isn’t a medal, it’s my resilience.”

“My journey has been filled with setbacks and injuries, yet every time I’ve stood back up. The strength, patience and character built through those comebacks mean more to me than any podium could.”

The youth athletics star explains what her 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist namesake inspires in her: “Jo-Ané du Plessis is someone I deeply admire. Her discipline, her consistency, her determination, she embodies what it means to be a dedicated athlete.”

“She inspires me, not because I want to be her, but because she shows me what is possible when you commit to the journey fully. She is someone whose footsteps I would be honoured to follow.”

She was hoping to head to the USA to attend university and train there but, due to a tough year, that dream didn’t realise. Du Plessis is hopeful of what the future holds as she anticipates moving to Stellenbosch University for her tertiary education, and to continue pursuing elite-level athletics. 

“This year has tested me more than ever: injuries, surgery, and long periods away from competition. I’m currently rebuilding, physically and mentally, through rehab and strengthening work. But I am trusting God’s timing wholeheartedly.”

“If it’s His plan for me, I hope to be in the USA in August next year. For now, I’m staying faithful, consistent, and focused on healing. The door will open when it’s meant to,” she says.

Du Plessis, who hails from Pietermaritzburg, says motivation is something that has been more than a big enough incentive for her to pursue her dreams. 

“Sport isn’t something I do, it’s a part of who I am. From a young age, I’ve known the athlete I want to become. That clarity has always been enough motivation.”

“I’ve always believed that nothing worth having comes easily. The dream of becoming an elite athlete, possibly even an Olympian one day, has kept me disciplined even when the journey got tough. The dream has always been bigger than the obstacles.”

The 18-year-old has aspirations of one day becoming an Olympian, a dream that she has held since she began school. 

“The dream has always been the Olympics. I’ve carried that dream since Grade 1, and it’s still the vision that directs every decision I make. But beyond that, I want to use my journey to inspire others, especially young athletes who feel left behind, overlooked or discouraged by injuries.”

“If my story can remind someone that they are stronger than their setbacks, then every moment of struggle will have been worth it.”

Starting her career at a young age has seen Du Plessis in the unique position of being able to gain a lot of experience while still being young. She says she has learnt some valuable lessons in her career so far. 

“If I had given up after my first setback, my life would look completely different. I have had five surgeries, each one requiring patience, courage and complete restarts. At times, people around me questioned whether this sport was still meant for me. And honestly, I understood their worries.”

“But deep in my heart, I know the Lord placed this passion in me for a reason. He wouldn’t give me such a powerful fire if He didn’t have a purpose for it.”

“The biggest lessons I’ve learnt are: never compare your journey to anyone else’s, your pace is your pace. Setbacks don’t mean you’ve failed; they mean you’re being shaped, and most importantly, get up every single time. Never give up.”

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Main Photo Caption: ‘Sport isn’t something I do, it’s a part of who I am!’ says Chay du Plessis, a teenage athlete who has been making waves in the world of javelin, shot put and hammer throw at some of the top competitions around the country. All Photos: Supplied

Photo 2 Caption: The 18-year-old has aspirations of becoming an Olympian one day, a dream that she has cherished since she began school in Grade 1.

Photo 3 Caption: A KZN Provincial Championships competitor in javelin, shot put, discus, and has even tried her hand at the hammer throw.

Photo 4 Caption: Du Plessis says: “The biggest lessons I’ve learnt are: never compare your journey to anyone else’s, your pace is your pace.”