How inspirational Annie Bothma won ASA national title despite rare disorder

 

Newly crowned South African marathon champion Annie Bothma recently completed the double by winning the Athletics SA national marathon title and the Durban International Marathon despite struggling with a rare disorder.

Bothma suffers from a rare condition known as hypopituitarism, which causes the pituitary gland – situated at the base of the brain – to fail in its production of hormones and subsequently affects the growth of her bones.

Two weeks ago, Bothma won the Durban International Marathon, which doubles up as the ASA national marathon, with an impressive gun-to-tape victory, clocking 2:30:31 as she represented Western Province Athletics.

I have to admit that I struggle medically, physically, and mentally. I published a blog on anniebothma.com to detail my journey, my struggles with the disease, career, and running and encourage people to read it,” Bothma told SABC Sport.

source: SABC sport