Although the adage says “not all that glitters is gold” let no one tell you otherwise. Lahja Ishitile glitters and is a Namibian golden treasure.
Two medals are what Paralympian has earned at the recent Paralympic Games in France.
Ishitile’s journey
Wilka Ishitile is not surprised by her twin flame’s achievements, but her voice trembles as she speaks about Lahja’s achievements.
“It makes me very emotional to talk about Lahja’s story. I don’t want to get emotional,” she says, but the emotion is palpable in her every word.
Heartache, resilience, and ultimately triumph best describe Lahja’s life story that tugs at the heartstrings and serves as a beacon of hope for many Namibians.
Born in Outapi in Omusati region in northern Namibia, Lahja grew up in the quiet village.
With her guide Sem Shimanda, Lahja added a bronze medal to her extraordinary journey in a time of 25.04 seconds on Saturday night.
This followed her gold in the 400m, achieved eight days earlier, with Shimanda by her side. With this, the two set a new Paralympic record of 56.20 seconds.
In doing so, Lahja became the only athlete to scoop medals in the competition for Namibia and only the second female Namibian athlete to win a Paralympic gold medal, after Johanna Benson’s 2012 victory in London.
Dark days
Yet, for Lahja, her siblings, and her parents, Nestor Ishitile and Loide Shalulile-Ishitile, the significance of these medals stretches far beyond the podium. They symbolise the grit and determination of a young woman who refused to let her circumstances define her.
Wilka recalls the early years with a tender smile, describing her sister as a sweet, respectful person.
“She spends most of her time tidying up at home,” she says, laughing softly. “I think since she can’t see, she thinks everything is untidy.” But beneath the lightheartedness lies a story of unimaginable hardship.
Lahja began experiencing eye problems at the age of seven. First, her left eye failed her, and soon after, her right eye deteriorated as well. And by the age of 11, she was completely blind. “We have three other siblings; when Lahja became blind, sadness fell on our house,” Wilka said, with pain vivid in her voice.
“We had so many questions when she started losing her eyesight. It was harder for me because we were always close and then we had to stop playing together. I had to witness my sister lying under a tree at home as we went to school that year, leaving her behind. It broke me. Our mother would often break down into tears,” she took this paper down memory lane, painful as the experience is.
Resilience
It was a dark time for the Ishitile family, but amid the tears and uncertainty, Lahja’s resilience and never-say-die attitude began to shine.
“We persevered,” Wilka recalls.
Lahja was eventually sent to Eluwa Special School, where her journey towards Paralympic glory would ironically begin.
She later joined the Oshana Heroes Club in Oshakati, using sports to keep herself busy. What began as a pass time turned into a passion that would open doors no one had ever imagined existed.
“Our father has also been instrumental in her running, giving her the little he had so that she could make it to competitions,” narrates Wilka.
In 2010, Lahja entered a national competition, winning gold in her favourite events: the 100, 200, and 400 metres. Her talent and drive were undeniable, and soon she was transferred to Windhoek Technical High School, where she completed her Grade 12.
Now 27 in her immaculate athletic prime, Lahja is a second-year student at the University of Namibia, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in library science.
“She’s done what most athletes only dream of. Earning medals at the Paralympic Games at the highest level while balancing her studies and life’s challenges. I am very proud of her, and I urge Namibians to welcome her at the airport when she returns,” fondly says her twin sister.
For those who know Lahja best, her success is no surprise. “Lahja is such a hard-working girl,” Wilka says.
“I have witnessed how much effort she has invested in sports. Even on days when she’s exhausted from school and overwhelmed by academics, she still shows up for training. She really deserves this,” Wilka continued.
Beyond Ishitile
Despite her sister’s heroics over the years, Wilka’s wish transcends beyond Lahja.
It is her passionate plea for greater support from the government and private entities for athletes with disabilities.
“They often feel left out,” she laments.
“I wish they could help them in the same way they do for able-bodied athletes.”
Lahja’s best friend, Martha Angala, echoes the sentiments.
“She is a funny and kind person,” Martha said.
“I help her to the taxi when she wants to go shopping. I follow her races, and I am very proud of her achievements,” the friend proudly says.
Ishitile’s eyes
New Era also caught up with her guide, Shimanda, who, with a chuckle, said a lot of people think the duo is dating.
“We are brother and sister. We have been working together for a long time. Our relationship is one of trust. I am her eyes on the track, and we push one another. I am excited with our achievements,” Shimanda said.
Their journey has not been a walk in the park.
“We prepared for a long time, but we had a lot of challenges.
“Sometimes I had to scrounge around for petrol money to pick up Lahja at Unam to attend training. It was not an easy feat. We worked hard for this,” says Shimanda.
Lahja’s humility, despite her success, is what makes her story even more inspiring. When interviewed some time ago, she said: “I want to be somebody in future. Somebody who will make everyone cheer over her. I want to become a responsible, kind, and peaceful role model to the Namibian nation.”
Yesterday, post-interview, she shared that her performance did not surprise her as she has been working hard for it.
“I am happy. I will go home with two medals for my nation. I improved massively in all my events this year. Please keep supporting us, and we will continue to make you proud,” said the champion.
Lahja’s journey has been marked by numerous accolades. She has been named Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability at the Namibian Sports Awards multiple times, including in 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023. In 2015, she received the Disabled Junior Sportswoman Award at the Namibia Sports Commission Sports Awards and was also honoured with a Sporting Achievement Award from Disability Sports Namibia.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na