Born: 1990 (Walvis Bay, Namibia)
Biography:
Johanna Benson, born on February 17, 1990, is a Paralympian athlete from Walvis Bay, Namibia. She is renowned for her achievements in the T37 long jump and sprint events. Benson made history at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London by winning the women’s 200 meters race in her classification, becoming Namibia’s first-ever Paralympic gold medalist.
Johanna Benson was born in Walvis Bay, South West Africa (now Namibia) in 1990. At the tender age of five months, it became evident that the left side of her body was not developing as expected, and she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Despite this challenge, Benson received her education locally in Walvis Bay, attending public primary and secondary schools.
Coming from a family with a strong sports background, Benson’s passion for running was nurtured from a young age. Her mother was an athlete, and her uncle even played for the Namibia national football team. It was during her time at Kuisebmond Secondary School that her talent for running was first noticed.
In 2010, Benson represented Namibia in the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. Competing in the women’s 100 meters (T37) event, she displayed an impressive performance and secured the bronze medal with a time of 14.81. The following year, she participated in the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand. However, she was unable to replicate her success from Delhi, failing to qualify for the finals in both the 100 and 200 meter sprints.
Benson’s most notable achievements as an athlete came at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London. At just 22 years old, she became Namibia’s sole female representative and etched her name in history by winning the gold medal in the Women’s 200m T37 race. Her triumph was a significant milestone for Namibia, as she became the country’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Benson also secured a silver medal in the Women’s 100m T37 event during the same Games.
Upon her return to Namibia, Benson received an outpouring of recognition and support. The Government of Namibia awarded her N$170,000 in cash, a house in Walvis Bay, and a diplomatic passport for her exceptional achievements. Private individuals, institutions, and organizations also contributed funds, acknowledging her remarkable success. Additionally, Benson received an offer for free training and physiotherapy for the next four years from an agency in her hometown.
Following her stellar performance in London, Benson continued to shine at the World Championship level. In the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships held in Lyon, she secured two bronze medals in the 100 and 200 meter races.
Johanna Benson’s accomplishments have not only made her a celebrated athlete but have also made a significant impact on the history of women in sports. Her gold medal at the Paralympics broke barriers and inspired a new generation of female athletes in Namibia. Previously, Namibia had only seen athletic success through Frankie Fredericks, who won several silver medals in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. Benson’s remarkable achievements have firmly established her as a trailblazer and a role model for aspiring athletes, both with and without disabilities.
Awards:
– Gold medal in the Women’s 200m T37 race at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London
– Silver medal in the Women’s 100m T37 race at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London
– Bronze medal in the 100 meter race at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships
– Bronze medal in the 200 meter race at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships