Natalie du Toit

Swimming is my passion and something that I love.

It is wonderful to say that your days behind a school desk are over. It's just another phase in your life.

I say, 'If I'm able to go out there and achieve a dream, then anybody can do it.'

You have to work hard for what you want to achieve and you have to set goals and dreams and really go for them.

I just want to be myself and go for my own dreams and goals.

Once your dream is fulfilled you face another one.

It's been a dream for me since I was six years old to go to the Olympic Games and to finally have that dream realised is something massive for me.

Even when bad things happen you have to try to use those bad things in a positive manner and really just take the positive out of it.

I have always had a dream to take part in an Olympic Games, and losing my leg didn't change anything.

I've been lucky enough to travel the world and win awards and medals, but it was time to stop.

My message is not just to disabled people, but to everyone: You have to work hard.