Carla Swart

[The_Break]

May Carla have already found the great big bike shop up in heaven.

Rest in peace.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

That is true but if you've read about THIS incident, the driver did everything to avoid her. It is still a very sad story no matter who is to blame.

 

Yes, its sad that one split second decision can affect so many lives. I have much respect for her father to publicly say he does not blame the truck driver.

[slowpoke]

RIP Carla :-(

[eraser]

Rest in Peace Carla. Condolences to the Swart family, hope you find the strength to get through this unbearably difficult time.

[Great Trek]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ah5sUZUu17U/SObbPsEe6EI/AAAAAAAAAI8/CtMAMQVcy1I/s400/eye-crying.jpg

 

 

[SL7]

I never knew you, but as a cyclist I know one of the things you loved - RIP.

[Tumbleweed]

Yes, its sad that one split second decision can affect so many lives. I have much respect for her father to publicly say he does not blame the truck driver.

 

I agree. It must be hard in such trying circumstances to be able to rationalise anything, and, as the Beeld reported, he wished he could tell the driver just that.

[Guest Big H]

The SA lefthand drive vs USA, Nigeria, Angola righthand drive thing could have confused her as some reports said. I dont drive here but did in Angola. It can be confusing at times and you can instinctively make the wrong decision in critical moments. A colleugue was in an horriffic car accident when he made the wrong move in Angola. He was attempting to turn around.

[jagwil]

Received this e-mail yesterday.

 

"MTN South Africa wants to offer its condolences and support to the family of Carla Swart, one of the country’s top female cyclists who died tragically in a training accident in the Free State yesterday morning.

 

“Carla has been a great inspiration for female cyclists across South Africa and has shown them what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. She played a very active mentoring role for the younger cyclists on the MTN team. Our thoughts go out to her loved ones during this difficult time,” says Bernard Pieters, senior sponsorship manager at MTN South Africa.

 

Swart was 23 and represented South Africa at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi where she finished as the highest-placed SA rider in eighth position in the women's road race.

 

“Carla had achieved great results for us on the World Cup circuit and in the two years with us had improved from 32nd at the World Champs to 10th at the last World Champs. It was clear she was on her way to the top," says former manager, Douglas Ryder of MTN Qhubekha.

 

Doctor Carol Austin coach for MTN Qhubeka and then MTN Energade said "Carla was an exceptional athlete, who embraced her talent and life's opportunities with passion and delight. She raced her first world cup with our team and just 14 months later re-wrote SA women's cycling history with a 10th place at 2010 Road World Champs."

 

Austin also added "She was deeply committed to representing the country of her birth, she was very proudly South African. Her performances inspired belief, while her bubbly positive personality brought much laughter and fun to our team. We will all miss her dearly. We are forever grateful that she touched our lives and inspired SA women in our sport."

 

Carla’s Team MTN racing highlights:

 

2009

 

Montreal World Cup – 18th

 

1st Queen of the Mountains Competition Tour de Grand Montreal stage race

 

1st Queen of the Mountains Competition Tour de PEI Canada

 

34th World Road Race Championships

 

 

2010

 

3rd SA Time Trial Champs

 

3rd SA Road Champs

 

2nd Tour de L’Aude U23 – France

 

10th overall Trophee D’or Feminin – France

 

8th Ronde van Vlaanderen World Cup – Belgium

 

3rd Herald Sun Cycling Race – Australia

 

10th World Road Race Championships

 

8th Commonwealth Games

[TrailWarrior]

As "Fakes" said, I didn't know you but I also have a love of what you did.

An inspiring legacy left, even at the young age of 23, for many up and coming determined cyclists as well as those who just ride for the love of it.

In life we are guaranteed 2 things. We are born and we will die. When is the mystery. But most important is what we choose to do within that time that will count most. Reading write-ups on Carla Swart, she touched many a life in her short time, her family can be proud that she lived her life the same way she raced her races....determined to make that difference.

May her family & friends find the courage & strength in this sad time. Mourn her passing but celebrate her life. R.I.P

['Dale]

I never knew you, but as a cyclist I know one of the things you loved - RIP.

Sweet post, Fakes...