Hanlie is a dedicated and accomplished athlete, having spent her life actively engaged in running. She has participated in numerous competitive events, proudly earning provincial colours multiple times in cross-country, biathlon and triathlon. Some of her most impressive personal records include a 1:27 finish for a half marathon and a 39-minute completion for a 10km race. Hanlie’s natural ability as a runner is something she considers a blessing, as she reflects on her gratitude for being able to do what others may not have the opportunity to.
In 2018, her passion for endurance sports expanded when she took on triathlons after being invited to her first event by a friend. Since then, she has competed in various local triathlon races and is currently training for the prestigious Ironman competition.
Hanlie pursued her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from the University of the Western Cape, completing her studies in 2016. Her educational background has been instrumental in her athletic pursuits, as she believes that proper nutrition is a key component to unlocking one’s full physical potential. With her in-depth knowledge of dietetics, she continuously conducts research in the field, sharing the latest findings with her fellow athletes. Hanlie takes a holistic approach when creating personalized nutrition plans for her clients, taking into account their current eating habits, exercise regimes, and even their genetic makeup.
On a personal level, Hanlie faces her own dietary challenges. As someone with celiac disease, she must avoid gluten, and this makes it difficult for her to meet the nutritional demands required by her rigorous training. However, her understanding of nutrition enables her to skillfully manage this challenge and remain at the top of her game.
Beyond her professional practice in dietetics, Hanlie has made significant contributions to community health. Her previous work includes providing nutrition education to underprivileged communities, including working with malnourished Basotho populations in Ficksburg. She has developed feeding programs for young children and babies, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition. In collaboration with Spier, she has also designed and implemented corporate wellness programs, promoting healthy lifestyles for employees. Moreover, Hanlie’s insights on health and nutrition have been featured in publications such as Women’s Health and the WEG magazine.
Continuing her academic journey, Hanlie completed her master’s degree specializing in sports nutrition and eating disorders at the University of Cape Town. Her passion for fitness extends beyond running and triathlons; she engages in a variety of sports and exercises to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle. Additionally, her experience as a certified Fitness Instructor (gained through HFPA) allows her to give back to the community, particularly by assisting underprivileged athletes where possible. Hanlie is currently affiliated with Embark Triathlon Club, Atlantic Triathlon Club, Cape Multisport Club and DeBruinTrain where she remains an active and valued member of the triathlon community.
Hanlie’s combination of personal experience, professional expertise, and community-oriented focus makes her a remarkable advocate for the role that nutrition and physical activity play in overall health and well-being.
