Charné Felix Redefining Possibility in Para Sport

Charné Felix is quietly redefining what sport means. For Felix, the track is both a place of competition and something far more personal, a space where freedom replaces fear, and where perceived limitation becomes possibility.

Her 2026 season already includes a standout performance at the Toyota SASAPD Nationals, where she secured silver in the 100m. But for Felix, results are only part of a much larger journey.

When asked about her preparation for major finals, Felix explains a shift that has changed her entire approach to competition.

“This year I prepared very differently. My coach and I worked on making sure that I am able to run with joy. No pressure that leads to almost a sense of fear of the outcome. (Lately I found myself having to deal with this.) Instead I prepared equally hard mentally, spiritually and physically. 

“We had goals we had set for the races and that was the benchmark. The silver just came as a product of that, however very grateful and happy about the outcome-it wasn’t the main goal.”

It is a mindset grounded in balance, where performance is guided by intention rather than pressure. Felix’s relationship with achievement is equally grounded in perspective.

“My African record in long jump has been broken, however I still hold the African record for the 100m sprint. To be honest I chase personal bests more than I chase records. It makes my goals seem attainable and less scary. 

“After breaking the records though, it actually allowed me to see what I considered wild, crazy and unattainable dreams, became attainable and possible.”

Record-Breaking Para Athletics Star, Charné Felix

Rather than being defined by records, she sees them as milestones within a larger evolution, and her focus for the remainder of the season is clear: “I’ve just completed Cape Winelands International and Nationals. The rest of the year has one international Grand Prix to better my world ranking position.”

Felix’s journey into athletics did not begin in the traditional way, she had to discover for herself.

“I started athletics so, so late, and by total accident. I never knew that there was a platform for me. Parasport was never presented to me as an option. So it was really something I accidentally came across and then actively claimed for myself.”

“Now I find freedom, wherein I once felt only shame. On the track, my perceived limitation became my platform. There was something deeply empowering about discovering that my body, despite its challenges, was capable of strength, speed, and excellence. That God didn’t make a mistake.”

“That shift from seeing difference as a deficit to recognising it as part of my identity was pivotal. Standing on the podium later in my journey didn’t feel like the beginning of success, but rather the affirmation of a calling I had already started to believe in: that I was made with a purpose, on purpose.”

For Felix, representation is transformative. “Platforms like gsport play a crucial role in visibility, and visibility directly impacts confidence. As a female Para-athlete, recognition is not always guaranteed, even at high levels of performance.”

“Seeing my own achievements acknowledged and equally importantly, witnessing the stories of other women in sport being elevated creates a sense of collective affirmation. A sort of understanding that every sacrifice and rejection was bigger than ourselves.”

“It reinforces that our journeys matter, that our performances are worthy of celebration, and that our stories have value beyond the track. This has strengthened my confidence not only as an athlete, but as a voice within the broader sporting community, especially within Academia.”

Her academic work at Stellenbosch University further deepens this perspective. “My postgraduate studies at Stellenbosch University (2026) focusses on Youth Work specifically Disability Studies. With integration, identity, and belonging in para athletics.”

“Deepening my awareness of how representation shapes self-perception. Being part of a platform like gsport affirms that we are not on the margins, we are part of the narrative.”

Felix sees platforms like gsport as active agents of change. “gsport functions as both a platform and a disruptor of some sorts, and I love it. In a landscape where coverage is often unequal, it actively challenges whose stories are told and whose achievements are valued.”

“For women in parasport, this is especially significant, as we often navigate multiple layers of invisibility. By consistently showcasing women’s achievements, gsport contributes to shifting public perception. It has personally shifted mine. It normalises excellence in women’s sport and creates a space where parasport is not treated as secondary, but as integral.”

Reflecting on the broader landscape, she notes meaningful change.

“During the past two decades, there have been notable changes within our culture speaking on how women in sports, including parasports, are viewed. I am so grateful for the gsport movement! Even though the women’s sport culture was already present at the time I got into the sport, the level of interest in and especially reporting on women’s sporting events, specifically those in parasports, was rather insignificant.”

“It has turned out that much improvement has been achieved in this sphere thanks to increased media coverage, more discussion about women athletes, and improved attitudes towards them.”

Felix draws inspiration from athletes who reflect resilience, balance, and excellence. “Locally – Anrune Weyers, for her consistent work ethic on- and off the track, and Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce, a woman, a wife and a mother who can show up and be her best in every aspect of her life, pushing boundaries beyond what is expected.”

She also highlights South African athlete Sheryl James: “One South African sportswoman who really inspires me is Sheryl James. Her journey reflects resilience and a deep commitment to both performance and representation in para sport.”

“What stands out for me is how she embodies unity, while also contributing to a broader narrative of visibility for athletes with disabilities as a coach. That balance between excellence and her desire to impact a generation, whilst still pursuing your dreams resonates strongly with my own path.”

When asked about emerging talent, she adds: “I really enjoy watching Catrien Burger compete.”

Beyond the track, Felix is not only an athlete but also a creative, a playwright, actress, and musician with an eye on identity, creativity and voice.

“Creativity is a massive part of what makes me, me. Even though I haven’t written since 2019, I’ve remained in the creative space by directing two theatre productions while focusing on high-performance sport. So for now, athletics has been the focus. At the same time, sport has strengthened my discipline, focus, and resilience, which I carry into my creative work.”

Through her work in education and music development, her message is consistent:

“The tutor centre and music school is called Zamar Academic & Music Hub, where I facilitate students and assist the parents too. In all my engagements and experiences, the one issue that continuously arises is that there should not be any attempt made to change young people, but to help them navigate their experiences within their context.”

“I’ve experienced that the young people who feel “different” have constantly questioned their relevance in the academic space and in society at large because they are unique in comparison to other people,” says Felix. 

“The main message I would have for them would be: Do not aim at becoming like others. Each jigsaw piece is unique in making the whole picture complete. Our differences are actually the very thing that makes the picture as colourful and interesting as it is.”

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Felix’s answer is simple and deeply human:

“For perseverance despite disappointment and allowing others to see that despite any challenge there’s always some sort of courage within you that enables you to go again,” she says. “For an unwavering faith in God and commitment to being an athlete I can be proud of both on and off the track.”

Charné Felix’s story is not only one of medals, records, or rankings. It is a story of reframing possibility, of a young athlete who did not simply enter para sport, but actively claimed it, and in doing so, redefined what belonging looks like on and off the track.

And in her own words, it is ultimately about something far more enduring than performance.

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Main Photo Caption: Record-breaking Para athletics star Charné Felix, who secured silver in the 100m at the 2026 Toyota SASAPD Nationals and continues to hold the African record in the 100m sprint, combining high-performance athletics with postgraduate studies in Youth Work and Disability Studies at Stellenbosch University. All Photos: Supplied

Photo 2 Caption: Felix, who entered Para athletics after being born with a clubfoot, now ranks among South Africa’s leading Para sprinters.

Photo 3 Caption: Felix holds the African record in the 100m sprint and recently claimed silver at the 2026 Toyota SASAPD Nationals.

Photo 4 Caption: She balances her athletics career with postgraduate studies in Youth Work and Disability Studies at Stellenbosch University.

Photo 5 Caption: Also a playwright, actress and musician, Felix channels creativity into her athletics and her work at the Zamar Academic & Music Hub.