NMSA Player: Winston Baatjies: A Story of Strength, Recovery and Sporting Excellence

In 2010, Winston Baatjies began to experience a gradual decline in his health, which was later diagnosed as severely impaired liver function. Despite the dedicated efforts of his medical team, his condition worsened over the years, ultimately leading to metabolic liver failure. By 2018, Winston spent the majority of the year in and out of hospitals as his health deteriorated further.

On 15 December 2018, Winston underwent a life-saving liver transplant, receiving a donor liver from a cadaver. Just nine days later, on 24 December, he was discharged from hospital—marking the beginning of an incredible journey of recovery and resilience.
Remarkably, even in the face of metabolic liver failure, Winston maintained an active lifestyle and a commitment to regular exercise. Just three months after his transplant, he was already back on the bike using an indoor trainer. His passion for fitness only grew, leading him to resume gym workouts and return to the squash court.

In 2022, Winston competed in his first National Transplant Games, where he took part in cycling and squash. His outstanding performance earned him qualification for the World Transplant Games, held in April 2023 in Perth, Australia. There, he made an impressive international debut—securing second place in squash and eighth place in cycling in his age category.

Winston’s determination and athletic excellence continued to shine at the 2024 National Transplant Games in Cape Town, where he once again qualified to represent South Africa at the upcoming 2025 World Transplant Games. The event will take place from 17–24 August 2025 in Dresden, Germany. Winston will be competing in cycling, squash, and race walking.
His journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, the gift of organ donation, and the incredible possibilities that arise through perseverance and purpose.
We at Northerns Squash are incredibly proud of Winston and all he has achieved. We wish him all the best in Dresden and hope he returns with gold!