At the age of 17, Hannah Hope Vermaak is fast becoming one of South Africa’s brightest young talents in athletics, as a sprinter whose speed, determination and life story have already inspired many.
Background
Born in Ghana on October 5, 2007, Vermaak’s life changed forever when she was adopted by South African parents at just two years old.
Leaving behind her birthplace, she found a new home in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, where her journey as both a young woman and an athlete truly began.
“I’m glad I’m here and I’m proud to be South African, and I’m glad things worked out the way they did,” says Vermaak.
Growing up, Vermaak’s upbringing was anything but conventional. She spent much of her early education years being homeschooled, an experience she says taught her discipline, independence and a strong work ethic, qualities that now define her both on the track and in the classroom.
It wasn’t until later that she transitioned into traditional schooling, enrolling at Hoërskool Noordheuwel, where she is currently in Grade 12, preparing for her matric final exams.
Achievements
Even while juggling the demands of school, Vermaak’s passion for athletics has never wavered.
She specializes in the 100m and 200m sprint events and has already made a name for herself in these fiercely competitive categories.
At the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in Gaborone earlier this month, she achieved a major breakthrough. She stunned the crowd by setting a personal best of 11.44 seconds in the 100m, defeating some of the continent’s top athletes, including South Africa’s Viwe Jingqi and Namibia’s Olympic silver medallist Christine Mboma.
Vermaak also boasts a personal best of 23.45 seconds in the 200m, cementing her status as a serious force in South African sprinting.
Behind her success is a strong support system, led by her coach Johan Furstenburg.
Furstenburg, who has been coaching Vermaak for the past six years, has been instrumental in shaping her into the athlete she is today. Their long-standing partnership speaks to the trust, hard work, and mutual respect that have been crucial to Vermaak’s steady rise through the ranks.
Under his guidance, she claimed the title of South African U20 champion in both the 100m and 200m events in Cape Town last month, and last week she secured the bronze medal in the 200m final at the ASA Senior Track & Field Championships, an achievement that highlights her readiness to compete against South Africa’s best seniors.
Yet athletics is only one part of Hannah’s story. Beyond the track, she is a dedicated student with big dreams for her future.
In 2026, she plans to begin her university journey at the University of Pretoria (Tuks), where she will study for a Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law).
Her long-term academic goal is to pursue a career in the legal field, showing that her ambitions extend well beyond sports.
Future plans
Despite her demanding academic plans, Vermaak has no intention of slowing down her athletic career.
She has set her sights firmly on the African Junior Championships in Algeria later this year, where she hopes to bring home medals and proudly represent South Africa on the continental stage.
Her ultimate dream, however, is even bigger: she is determined to qualify for and compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, a stage where she hopes to showcase her talent to the world.
“My goals are LA 2028, and I have more coming up this year at the African Junior championships in Algeria,” says Vermaak.
For Vermaak, success is not just about natural ability. She credits her achievements to unwavering commitment, consistent training, and the incredible support system she has built around her, from her coach to her teachers and family.
It is this combination of talent, grit and heart that has placed her firmly on the radar as one of South Africa’s most promising young athletes.
As she continues to chase down new goals, both academic and athletic, Vermaak stands as a shining example of what is possible when determination meets opportunity.
Her journey is just beginning, and if her current trajectory is anything to go by, the future holds nothing but greatness.
* Featured image of Hannah Hope Vermaak by Cecilia van Bers
