L.J. van Zyl and Irvette van Zyl
South African athletes Irvette van Blerk, a long-distance runner, and hurdler L.J. van Zyl first met after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They married following the 2012 London Games and have enjoyed competing together ever since.
L.J. van Zyl expressed his feelings, saying, “There’s nothing more special than representing your country at the Olympic Games with the woman you truly love.” L.J. is the South African record holder in the 400m hurdles, and Irvette van Blerk holds the world record in the 50km ultramarathon.
