Cape Town - Cape Town firefighter, Baigum Abrahams, has successfully defended her title as South Africa’s top female firefighter at the Toughest Firefighter Alive competition, overcoming personal challenges to inspire a new generation.
Held in Mossel Bay from September 25-28, the prestigious competition brought together the best firefighters from various regions, challenging them to showcase their skills in a range of individual and relay events.
The competition consists of gruelling tests designed to evaluate competitors’ physical fitness, endurance, and firefighting skills.
From hose-dragging to obstacle courses, each challenge pushes the participants to their limits.
Abrahams said retaining the title is gratifying, as she values the progress and transformation she has made.
“This journey is about self-improvement, where I am my own greatest opponent and where competition serves as a benchmark for growth,” she said.
Abrahams described her victory as a battleground where she faced her weaknesses head-on.
“It’s me against me and the prize is that I’m constantly forged into a stronger, more resilient version of myself, physically, psychologically and emotionally.”
Leading up to the competition, Abrahams faced new challenges adjusting to a new role at work, coping with family loss, navigating single motherhood, studying and recovering from a hospital stint just three months prior.
“I’m grateful for each obstacle, lesson and tear that brought me to where I am right now,” Abrahams said.
Her training consisted of trail runs, and travelling around with her takkies, bather, wetsuit and gym equipment in her car to train whenever and wherever she gets a chance.
She was also part of the City’s women’s team that won gold in the relay event. Abrahams said the South African national competition has grown exponentially and is getting better each year.
“With precise timing and seamless event transitions, the circuit was close to international standards,” Abrahams said.
“The event had a vibrant atmosphere with enthusiastic spectator support, clean venues, more female competitors, which is encouraging and inspiring, and also a milestone as we welcomed our first international competitor from Hamburg, Germany.”
The City’s 26-strong team demonstrated outstanding prowess, securing a total of ten medals, which included gold, silver, and bronze across various events.
Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said the firefighters have once again proven their metal by bringing home the medals.
“They are some of the toughest, bravest and most dedicated women and men in uniform, and we are exceptionally proud of them. Well done to the team,” he said.
Abrahams said in the fire and rescue world, she strongly believes that females are doing equally well as men.
“While physiological differences do exist – men generally have higher bone density, thicker skin, more muscle mass, lower body fat percentage.
“These distinctions don’t define our capabilities,” she said.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za