Five facts about…..Namibia’s Johanna Benson
16.09.2015She won gold at London 2012, but what else do you know about the Namibian sprinter ahead of October’s IPC Athletics World Championships
Johanna Benson of Namibia celebrates silver in the Women's 100m T37 Final at the London Paralympics
© • getty images
1. In 2008 Benson was spotted taking part in a school race by Tsire Tsauseb, former President of the Namibia Sports Federation for People with Disabilities, who became her coach.
2. Benson was the first Namibian to win a Paralympic or Olympic gold medal when she triumphed in the 200m T37 at the London Games in 2012.
3. In 2013 a street in Namibia’s Walvis Bay was renamed ‘Johanna Benson street’ in recognition of her Paralympic achievements.
4. She won 100m and 200m T37 bronze at the 2013 World Championships behind Frenchwoman Mandy Francoise-Elie.
5. Benson holds the African record in the women’s 100m and 200m T37.
The IPC Athletics World Championships will take place in Doha, Qatar, between 21-31 October, attracting 1,400 athletes from 100 countries.
