Mariske Strauss's Wild Ride

Mariske, you've had a couple of crazy years. We have known you for so long as a lovable star of SA MTBing – a five-time SA Champion, a four-time Continental Champion, winner of multiple Cape Epic podiums and stages, and so much more – but you had to take a sudden step back from racing when you were diagnosed with myocarditis at age 32 in February 2023. Talk us through your diagnosis and how it turned your world upside down…

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be diagnosed with a heart condition – but there I was in February 2023, sitting in a doctor's room feeling confused, shocked, and strangely relieved. This was a diagnosis I actually welcomed. Not because I wanted to have myocarditis, but because I finally had an answer after almost two years of questions.

I had seen numerous doctors who all told me I was fine. Thankfully I eventually found the right doctors who quite literally saved my life. My condition had gone undiagnosed for a long time, and although it was a bitter pill to swallow, it at least gave me clarity. I'm still on the mend, and it's unfortunately a long process. God works in mysterious ways – and if I had the choice, knowing what I know now, I would probably choose this path again. It has made me a better mom and helped me give my son the best possible chance at good health with his journey.

Through it all you remained remarkably positive, giving off your usual happy vibes on social media as you continued to deliver for your sponsors and cover races from the sidelines. What kept you so strong and grounded through what you described as a year of hardship, growth and everything in-between?

My faith has always been the cornerstone of my life. It grounds me and has helped me through some hectic injuries in the past. But when you're faced with something that affects your heart, it's a completely different ballgame. In many ways, my previous injuries prepared me for this one. I believe God is painting on a bigger canvas than we ever get to see at once, so I have learned to trust the process and have faith. After all, as athletes we are trained to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

I've always been a positive person. From experience, I know life isn't always fair, but you're never dealt more than you can handle. And if it feels like too much, God places the right people in your corner to help you through it. I'm blessed with an incredible support system, and my sponsors were a huge part of this journey too.

Another blessing was the chance to work for Rola Motor Group in their marketing department while I couldn't train. I've always built on my BSc Sport Science degree with extra courses over the years – I try to do at least one every year. A few years ago I completed a Digital Marketing course, which ended up being so valuable in ways I didn't expect. I love a challenge, and knowledge really is power, so I jumped at the opportunity to utilise one of the tools in my toolbox.

I always try to look for the good in any situation. Resilience is part of my DNA, and being miserable was never an option. Of course, I had my moments – and still do at times. But I believe you owe it to yourself to feel all the feelings – sadness and frustration are part of processing loss. We just can't live there.

You got onto an e-bike as you took small steps towards recovery, and before we knew it you were back at local stage races like Wines2Whales and Origin of Trails. Talk us through the e-bike experience and how it kept your racing gees alive?

E-bikes are an absolute Godsend! I'm beyond grateful that our industry has developed to this point. They kept me sane, allowed me to ride the trails I love, and let me stay connected to the racing scene when I couldn't ride or race at my usual level. E-bikes are a gift for anyone going through tough times – whether it's health, work or family commitments. They make riding more accessible, bring joy, and even helped me during my pregnancy.

Next thing we knew, you'd announced you were expecting a baby… and were racing Tankwa Trek at 20 weeks pregnant. Tell us more about training and racing during your pregnancy, and what you did differently to stay healthy and strong?

My son, Marno, is the greatest gift I've ever received. Being his mom is such a privilege and a title I wear proudly. I actually found out I was pregnant on the final day of Wines2Whales 2023 – after racing the women's event with Vera Looser and then riding the e-bike category with Max Sullivan. I had my suspicions, but it was still a surprise.

By Tankwa Trek, I was 20 weeks along. I decided that if anyone could do it safely, it would be me. I'd been training and racing daily for almost 25 years, and honestly, I often feel more unstable walking down the road than on my bike. That said, I slowed down significantly and lowered the intensity.

After 20 weeks, I opted for my e-bike. The more upright position gave the baby more space and made it easier to breathe – plus the extra watts on climbs helped with the added weight. For other moms-to-be, my advice is listen to your body. It knows best. Staying active during pregnancy is so important for both mom and baby. You're not sick – you're just growing a tiny human. Enjoy it. Don't push beyond your limits and make adjustments where needed. Personally, I was more worried about cars and other cyclists than anything else, which is why I started driving to the trails instead of riding to them.

"I always try to look for the good in any situation. Resilience is part of my DNA, and being miserable was never an option"

You welcomed your baby son in June 2024, and while you mentioned having a baby was challenging, you soon seemed to be back on your bike… But we've since discovered it was a difficult journey.

It definitely wasn't "soon" back on the bike – it took longer than I thought, and I think that's something we should talk about more. My postpartum journey was tough.

After a traumatic birth, my son was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), a genetic disorder that affects the liver and lungs by preventing the production of enough alpha-1 antitrypsin protein. He was very ill, hardly slept, and needed huge amounts of milk – thankfully I had an oversupply. At one point I was pumping around 1,8 litres of milk a day! I was surviving on three to four hours of broken sleep for the first nine months.

I also struggled with pelvic floor dysfunction, which took almost a year to settle. I'm slowly learning how this new body of mine works, and I'm proud of that progress. Honestly I have a new respect for moms and what the female body is capable of. So while I wanted to be back on the bike, often a walk was all I could manage. And that's okay. It was a season, and they're only little once. My focus shifted slightly and I tried not to be too hard on myself.

Do the symptoms of AATD improve over time?

Managing AATD is about lifestyle intervention. We need to ensure Marno stays clear of smoke, pollution and alcohol – basically, it's living a healthy lifestyle, and no rebellious teenage years, which I am completely fine with. For under 18s, liver problems are a big concern, and as you get older it sounds like the lungs become more of a problem. Both my husband and I are carriers, and it actually explains a lot about the breathing problems I have had my entire life. My levels are about 80% of what they should be, and Marno's levels are half of mine. The diagnosis was a shock, but his liver counts are steadily improving so I am thankful that we found out at such an early stage and are able to create the best environment for him to thrive.

How do you balance training around mom life and all the commitments to your sponsors? Have most of them stuck by you through these challenging times?

Balancing everything is still a work in progress – it really does take a village and I'm blessed with the best one. My sponsors have been incredible and stuck by me throughout it all. I'm especially grateful to Garmin and Rola Motor Group for their belief and ongoing support, and proud to be affiliated with such amazing brands and people.

More and more South African MTB stars are going down the gravel route. Is this perhaps a (gravel) road you may opt to take as well?

There's definitely a lot of fun to be had on a gravel bike, and I'd love to give it a proper go and see where it takes me once I am sure that my heart is up for the challenge.

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