Born on January 29, 1984, Natalie began to swim early in life and started competing internationally at the age of fourteen. Her first appearance was in the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
When Natalie was seventeen, she was driving her scooter home after a swimming practice and was struck by a car. Doctors had to amputate her left leg at the knee.
Still, Natalie did not despair and was back in the pool, amazingly just five months later. She stated that she had initially come back to swimming out of curiosity rather than determination.
She honed her skills and later achieved fantastic feats in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Paralympic Games representing South Africa. Specifically, Toit won one silver and five gold medals in the 2004 Paralympics in Athens. She won another five gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
Four years later, Natalie won another three golds and one silver medal in the 2012 Paralympics.
Source: https://uksportstraining.com/blog/inspiring-athletes-with-disabilities/
