In December, 2009, Natalie was awarded the one of the country's greatest honours -Ikamanga Gold - for her contribution to sports in South Africa. In April 2010 she was awarded the Laureus sports awards, for people with disabilities.
Not only a great swimmer, Natalie is also an inspiring speaker who campaigns actively for the rights of disabled people in South Africa and worldwide. Her story is based on her world-beating achievments as a disable swimmer (multiple World and Paralympics Gold Medal holder)
While still at school, Natalie represented Western Province primary schools for swimming from Grade 2 to 7, was awarded Waterbuck colours at the age of 10 (the equivalent of Junior Springbok colours) and in 1996, competed in the Pan Pacific School Games in Perth, winning one gold, four silver and one bronze medal.
The following year she was awarded a full high school scholarship a year later, received the Junior Victrix Ludorum and the Hind Trophy for the most outstanding swimmer.
When, early 2001, Du Toit had her left leg amputated following a scooter accident, she ended up encouraging tearful family members while recovering in hospital - and within a week of leaving hospital was back in the swimming pool, even before she had re-learned how to walk.
A year later she won the 50m and 100m Elite Athlete with a Disability freestyle swimming at the Commonwealth Games breaking two world records. Natalie also made it to the final of the 800m able-bodied open freestyle where she finished just 46 seconds behind the winner.