Mariette Van Heerden
Margaritha Constantia "Mariette" Van Heerden is a Zimbabwean former discus thrower and shot puter. Van Heerden was born in Southern Rhodesia but grew up in South Africa and was the holder of South African records in shot put and discus throw as well as a multiple South African champion in both these events. She was awarded Springbok colours during the years of the international sports boycott of South Africa.
Van Heerden competed in the discus at the 1984 Summer Olympics, representing Zimbabwe. She also represented Zimbabwe in the discus at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, 1983 World Championships and 1985 African Championships in Athletics. Van Heerden also competed in the shot put at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.
Van Heerden is still the Zimbabwean record holder in women's shot put and women's discus.
Van Heerden moved back to South Africa after 1987 and is the mother of South African swimmer Katheryn Meaklim.
