Tag Archives: Sunette Viljoen

Medal Winning Olympia Faces Physical Abuse In Her Own Home Due To Her Sexuality

Sunette Viljoen, the Olympic champion from South Africa – who won silver in for javelin throwing, which earned a silver medal in Rio – has opened up over the abuse she receives at home for her sexual orientation.

Earlier this summer, Viljoen, posted on Facebook that her brother had slapped her in the face in a disagreement over her sexuality.

God help me… My brother has just lifted his hands to me again… [and] slapped me through the face.”

The 32-year-old also said her father had previously hit her.

Not an activist by nature, Viljoen is sharing her story to help others facing the same “hell.”

I’m speaking out for every person out there who is being broken emotionally or physically over who they love. I will fight for you till my hands are stubs and dedicate my Olympic year to you.”

It is a month before the Olympic Games and I know the Devil is trying to work through other people to make me take my eye off God and the finish line.”

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I’m speaking out for every person out there who is being broken emotionally or physically over who they love.

I will fight for you till my hands are stubs and dedicate my Olympic year to you.”

Viljoen thanks her girlfriend LiMari Louw, a TV news presenter, for supporting her through after she placed fourth at London 2012.

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In an interview with TMG Sport back in 2015, she said

LiMari knows me inside out and she knows exactly what to say and when to say it‚ how to handle and how to see situations. She’s literally my psychologist.”