Mariske learned early that you reap what you sow.

Mariske Strauss developed an incredible work ethic from a young age. She is one of South Africa’s and Africa’s leading mountain bikers and graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Science. This degree has allowed her to pursue her passion for coaching, among other things.

As a multiple South African and African champion, Mariske dedicated over a decade to her career on the international stage and her Olympic dream. The world of professional sport is filled with challenges and demands full-time commitment, personal sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

“My student experience was unforgettable. I wasn’t your typical first-year student because I didn’t continue studying immediately after school. I travelled quite extensively and studied in America for a period. Even so, I made new friends and learned valuable lessons,” says Mariske.

According to Mariske, she has many fond memories of her time in Stellenbosch.

“I’m not even going to try to single out just one! Every day and every opportunity were an adventure.

“If I had to highlight something... I really enjoyed participating in a wide variety of sporting codes as part of my degree. It was great fun! I also had the opportunity to learn a lot about sport in general.”
Currently, Mariske serves as an ambassador for brands like Garmin and utilizes her experience to coach others who share her passion for mountain biking.

“I’m also a mom to a busy little boy. In between everything, I discovered a love for writing. I’m currently writing a storybook for my son, Marno. My long-term goal is to write a book about my career.”

Mariske certainly has a wealth of stories that could fill a book. There are the near victories at the Absa Cape Epic, international experiences, and on the other side of the scale, being diagnosed with myocarditis in 2023.

“It was supposed to be my year. I worked incredibly hard to prepare my body to compete in the Epic with Candice (Lill) and finally claim our elusive Absa Cape Epic victory. I also had other goals and plans, but this was a major one. However, that’s not how things turned out. After a long and frustrating journey, the biggest and most important finding was myocarditis. Simply put, it means inflammation of the heart. It’s one of the reasons why so many young athletes collapse on sports fields.”

Mariske needed to reevaluate her life.

Through her wellness clinic, she promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. She offers workshops and coaching sessions for people of all ages, with a particular focus on children and women. Her goal is to share her extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and motivation.

Returning to her love for Stellenbosch: “Life in this Boland town is perfect for mountain bikers. The trails at Coetzenburg are like a dream. The Stellenbosch experience is truly special. Alongside the feeling of it being a ‘heaven for mountain bikers,’ I can also say that the education at Stellenbosch University is world-class.”