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MEET DIANA ‘DIZZO’ STROMVIG

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This St Michael’s high student is 16 years old, stands at a height of 1.6m and weighs 54kg.
She is a senior red belt holder and will be grading for black belt next January 2014.
Don’t be fooled by the size of her body.  With one hummer kick, ‘Dizzo’ could crush your head into pieces.

ACHIEVEMENTS

I have won 3 best junior player awards (2011 - 2013); Silver medallist- Korean Ambassador’s Cup, Pretoria (2011); Silver medallist - Mozambique Championships, Matola (2012); Twice Gold medallist- Natal/KZN open (2012); Gold medallist- Korean Ambassador’s cup, Pretoria (2012); Silver medallist - Korean Ambassador’s cup Lesotho, Maseru (2013); Have been selected to represent  Swaziland in the upcoming 2014 Youth Olympics games in Nanjing, China; I am part of the tentative team for All Africa Junior Championships to be held in  Botswana 2014; and I’ll become the youngest female Taekwondo Black Belt holder in January 2014. In total, I have 8 gold medals, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals, as well as 3 trophies.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My coach, Sabamnim (3rd dan) Mbongeni Nsibandze, has been a fountain of inspiration. The St Michaels team has also taught me the importance and benefits of team spirit. My family has been very supportive from the beginning to my current status. Lastly, Sanele Ginindza, who is a figure of women empowerment, has also been a very positive role model.

BEST MOMENTS

Participating in international tournaments in KZN, Lesotho and the Koreans Ambassador’s Cup brought joy to my heart. Lastly, being selected to represent Swaziland in the upcoming 2014 Youth Olympics games in Nanjing China has been very encouraging.

CHALLENGING MOMENTS

I felt bad when I let down my school team, in a certain local tournament, after so much hard work. However, after my team and coach supported and motivated me, I was able to put everything behind, uplift myself and move forward with my sport. 

GOALS, DREAMS AND WISHES

I look forward to the Olympics Games and World Championships. To better our chances of qualifying and getting medals in the Olympics Games (2020). We have to start now and groom young players like myself. With proper training and competing against the best players I believe I could be amongst the most competitive players in the world. I would also like to have a master’s degree or any other better qualification, in my academic career. It is also my aspiration to advance my sporting career and to later become a coach and further earn international recognition and respect. 
Finally, I wish more young women could join Taekwondo. Though it’s a male dominated sport, but as a young girl, I have set the pace, won medals, and got selected to represent Swaziland in China. This is possible to everyone, young or old, male or female, as long as the person lives by the rules and is always willing to deliver.  When the going gets rough just put your faith and strength in God and don’t look back. 

MY TOUGHEST OPPONENT

It is currently Momotho Shongwe. Fighting her is not a walk in the park, but one day I want to knock her down and out with only one kick. 

HOW CAN TAEKWONDO
BE IMPROVED?

Investing in juniors and supporting the seniors. Showcasing the sport to the public, by means of demonstrations and other marketing strategies, penetrating schools and recruiting more female artists.
The Swazi team has highly benefited from female artists. More medals have been won by female artists in Africa Games and other international games.
The likes of Sanele Ginindza, Sithandile Dlamini, Sindi Buthelezi, Glory Nosenzo and Lorraine Dlamini have done it.
This shows that if more women could participate, then Swaziland stands a better chance of getting more medals from other international tournaments like World Championships, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
Currently, Sanele Ginindza and Sithandile Dlamini are ranked #8 and # 6 in Africa, in their respective categories.
Taekwondo deserves more support from high authorities and companies, since it’s one sport that does exceptionally well internationally.
Fair Play! It’s A Game After All!

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