Naicker and Robinson named 2020 Wits Sportswomen of the Year

3 November 2020 - Tshepiso Mametela

The crowning moment for Wits University's best female student-athletes came at the 2020 Wits Sport Awards, the institution's annual awards presentation evening, which was held virtually for the first time this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Michaela Robinson of the Wits Yacht Club and the Wits Gymnastics Clubs' Karishma Naicker raked in the plaudits when they were named WSA Sportswoman of the Year and Junior Sportwoman of the Year, respectively. The jubilant duo, both of whom have hoisted the Wits flag high at various national and international sporting events over the past 12 months, spoke to Wits Sport on their achievements and what the biggest token for their sporting heroics means to them.

Naicker said the award will undisputedly go down as a highlight in both her sporting career and as part of a first-year student experience, which she continues to take in her stride. "I feel honoured that Wits Sport has recognised my achievement in this manner," the boisterous teenage sensation told Wits Sport. "It is exciting to receive such good news, especially during this time of Coivd-19, which presented many challenges. Fortunately, the rhythmic gymnastics section of the African Championships took place early in the year, enabling me to compete."

While the rhythmic gymnast tackles every competition with courage and determination each time she steps onto the mat, Naicker admitted being awarded the accolade was unexpected. "I really did not expect to receive this award and was caught off guard with the news. I would not underestimate the calibre of other sportspeople at Wits. It is a humbling moment for me," she added.

Karishma Naicker 2020 Wits Junior Sportswoman of the Year

Robinson, who has taken the South African yacht scene by storm, owing to various successes within domestic waters and on an international level, described being hit by an "overwhelming" feeling at taking home the coveted Sportswoman of the Year prize. She acknowledged the incredible calibre of sporting women within the corridors of Wits and said even coming up as a finalist for the award would have been a great achievement. "As a sailor in South Africa, you do not always get taken seriously ... because it is not a 'main-stream sport'," said the thrifty sea boffin.

"However, Wits must be part of the select few [institutions] who acknowledge all achievements in any sphere of sporting. Winning such a prestigious prize means so much to me but, also, to the Wits Yacht Club as a whole. I am at the stage now that I still have not quite come to terms with the fact that I was awarded this prize. It is such a privilege," added Robinson, who attributes her continued success to her family.

"Everything I have ever learnt has been through them. Whether it is them actually teaching me or just supporting me in anything I do. They are always there to help me and are continuously urging me to go out into the world and learn as much as I can," said Robinson. "But more specifically to this award, because of the Cape2Rio Yacht race, I must say it would have been made possible without the partnership with JM BUSHA 54, my family and my crew – Emma, Ryan, Hearn, Tawanda and Jonathan. Without them I could not have dreamed to achieve this."

Michaela Robinson 2020 Wits Sportswoman of the Year

Wits Yacht Club member Campbell Tiley received the award as Michaela could not attend the awards photo shoot.