Born: 1985 (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Biography:
Ilse Hayes, also known as Ilse Carstens, is a Paralympian athlete from South Africa who specializes in category T13 sprint events. Born on August 30, 1985, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Hayes has overcome significant challenges to become one of the most successful athletes in her discipline.
At the age of eleven, Hayes was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, an inherited form of juvenile macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss. Despite this diagnosis, she remained determined to pursue her passion for athletics. Hayes attended the University of Stellenbosch, where she studied sports science and pediatrics.
Hayes made her first international appearance at the 2002 IPC Athletics World Championships in Lille, France. Competing in the T13 category, she won gold in the 400 meters sprint and took home a bronze in the 100 meters. Additionally, Hayes participated in the long jump event, narrowly missing out on a medal with a fourth-place finish.
In 2004, Hayes represented South Africa at the Summer Paralympics in Athens, Greece, where she won her first Paralympic medal, a bronze in the women’s 400 meters T13 event. She also achieved a fifth-place finish in the women’s 100 meters T13 event.
Two years later, at the 2006 World Championships in Assen, the Netherlands, Hayes secured two more bronze medals, this time in the 200 meters and 400 meters sprints. Though she improved her long jump performance from four years prior, she narrowly missed out on a podium finish.
Hayes’ breakthrough moment came at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, where she claimed her first gold medal. In the long jump event, she recorded a winning jump of 5.68 meters, edging out Greece’s Anthi Karagianni by a mere 5 centimeters. Additionally, Hayes won a silver medal in the 100 meters sprint.
At the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, Hayes further solidified her dominance in the long jump event by securing the world title. With a jump of 5.80 meters, she claimed gold, adding a second victory in the 100 meters event to her achievements.
Hayes continued to showcase her excellence at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, successfully defending her long jump title. She displayed exceptional form, outperforming Algeria’s Lynda Hamri by a considerable distance.
Throughout her career, Hayes has showcased remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming the obstacles presented by her vision impairment. Her inspiring journey and exceptional athletic achievements have had a profound impact on the world of Paralympic sports, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, Summer Paralympics Beijing 2008 (Long Jump)
– Gold Medal, IPC Athletics World Championships Christchurch 2011 (Long Jump)
– Gold Medal, Summer Paralympics London 2012 (Long Jump)
– Silver Medal, Summer Paralympics Beijing 2008 (100 Meters)