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Carla Swart Obituary
Swart was training Wednesday in the central Free State province when she turned into the path of an advancing truck, Cycling South Africa said.
"I think she would have been the greatest cyclist in our history if she had lived," CyclingSA director Hendrik Lemmer told The Associated Press on Thursday.
After dropping her cycling computer, Swart looked over her shoulder to check if the road was clear and made a U-turn that put her in the path of the oncoming truck. She apparently looked over her left shoulder, as one would if cycling in the United States, instead of the right. In South Africa, vehicles drive on the left.
Swart, who moved to the United States with her family as a teenager, attended Lees-McRae College in North Carolina and earned running and cycling scholarships.
She won 19 individual and team cycling titles with Lees-McRae, becoming the first cyclist to win all four U.S. collegiate titles — road, track, mountain and cyclocross — in one season in 2008, according to the school.
"Carla represented everything you want in a student-athlete; she was caring, compassionate and competitive. Her impact on so many will last a long time," Lees-McRae athletic director Craig McPhail said. "While recruiting her 6½ years ago, I could tell she was truly special, and I am very proud to have had her represent the green and gold of Lees-McRae College."
Swart had recently signed with the U.S.-based HTC-Highroad cycling team, whose members wore black armbands Thursday during a race in Australia.
At last year's world championships, Swart finished 10th in the women's road race. She took eighth at the Commonwealth Games in India in October.
"At a time like this, words about what happened, why, and how are usually asked and bring little comfort," Lees-McRae cycling coach Luke Winger said. "However, when I think of the impact that Carla Swart had on this earth, I know that we will all remember her for the life that she lived."
Lees-McRae said it will start the Carla Swart Memorial Scholarship in her honor, awarded annually to "a female cyclist who demonstrates a love for the sport and exhibits great promise as a cyclist."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
52 Entries
Kelly W
February 7, 2011
Your spirit will live on in many. Your strength and pride will forever be admired by all. Your legacy will live on in those who loved you and always will.
A Cyclist's Father
January 27, 2011
God be with the Swart's during this difficult time. Carla was an inspiration to so many, and all of us, young and old, can learn so much from her example. Her accomplishments were great, but her humility, grace, and kindness will be her true legacy.
Evie Edwards
January 25, 2011
Carla will live on in the memory of the many whose lives intersected with her own. I was always impressed with her abilities when racing against her in NC, and really was looking forward to seeing her on the Olympic stage. Her 23 years were packed with accomplishments and dedication, but her lovely personality is what makes her loss all the more difficult.
Lynn Massie
January 25, 2011
I think about you everyday since this tragedy and Thank God for having met you and for the positive impact you have had on my son, Sam. A call a mother never wants to get, a prayer I never will. May God Bless You and Keep You...
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Michael Fragola
January 25, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss.
Roland Méry
January 25, 2011
what a tragic loss, Carla was a very special young woman,she will be sadly missed,my thoughts and prayers are with her family
Robert Kennedy
January 24, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deon Swart
January 24, 2011
I am Carla's dad. I want to thank everybody for their comforting words. I know where Carla is and she is riding without the disturbance of any vehicles. She was on loan to us for 23 years, and what an impact did she make in those short time. She has lived more than most people in 80 years. Although Me and my family are very sad and heartbroken at this stage, we find comfort in the fact that she is safe in the hands of the Lord. Thank you again
Paul Jones
January 24, 2011
Just wanted to pass along my thoughts and Prayers!
kent van horn
January 24, 2011
Carla just seeing this now god bless u RIP very sad news you are the best peace+love 4 u and family
K. Henderson
January 24, 2011
What a great loss to your family. She was so young I hope that your memories will give you a measure of comfort now and in the near future. Also comforting are the words of Psalm 147:3 He is healing the brokenhearted, and binding up their painful spots."
January 24, 2011
Those we love, like Carla Swart left us gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away, wisdom that we can still recall. These are the things that we shall cherish forever. May the family continue to look to Almighty God for comfort during this difficult time. Because God is a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.
Ashley May
January 23, 2011
Throughout this week I have struggled so hard to understand why things like this happen and why the best people are those that leave us so early. The only thing that I can gather from this tragedy is it's exactly because they are the good ones...they belong in Heaven and are in their rightful place. My condolences to Carla's family and her dearest friends. She was such an inspiration and a dear teammate....many memories I have of her are ones that bring a smile, and even though the loss is so sad right now, I know that one day I will see her again. The whole-heartedness that Carla embraced life with is a lesson for many that life is short, and as such she really grasped it with all her might. I was blessed to have four years with her on the LMC xc team and will always treasure the memories I have with her.Carla, you are much loved and dearly, dearly missed.
Y.A.
January 23, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 22, 2011
Such a sad event. . . bless Carla and her family thru this difficult time
Lillian Crosby
January 22, 2011
Hello ! Swart's ! I would like to express a few warm words of comfort to help heal the heart. It hurts when a very dear love one like Carla is no longer with us because of a unforseen occurrence as the bible say at Ecc.9:11 happen. Our heavenly father is there to help you all endure . May all the many accomplishment and times shared with Carla suport you all in the days ahead.
Dee Thomas
January 22, 2011
A wonderful tribute to an inspirational lady! Carla...you will be missed!
Sam Massie
January 22, 2011
I can't convey the sadness that losing you has brought. You have brought me so much joy in such a short amount of time. I will remember you always. I can't wait to dance with you again. Love, always
Joyce Anczarski
January 22, 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. In June, my 19 year old son was killed while riding his bicycle cross country to raise awareness for breast cancer research. I truly know what you are going through. Grieving is a long journey but I will pray for your family too. I know now that God takes the best and Carla and my son are beautiful angels watching over us. Until we meet them again....peace in your heart..
Shirley
January 22, 2011
What a sad tragedy for Carla Swart, may our loving Heavenly Father be with the family in your time of sorrow.
Lisa Hunt
January 21, 2011
My thoughts are with all of you during this time. Carla was an inspiration to us all, and she brightened my life in every way. She will be missed, but her memories will live on forever. She was, and will always be, the "Ginger Ninja," and we love her for it.
January 21, 2011
My deepest sorrow and condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. the Bible assures us that our Heavenly Father "is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." May your memories bring you a measure of comfort at this time.
D.A. USA
Vicki Abbott
January 21, 2011
"RIP" Swart".
Cheri M
January 21, 2011
As we each head out for a day of riding we are not ever thinking there will be tragedy. We are looking for the freedom and peace we have as we connect with the pavement. I was so sad to read about this, so young she was with so much to look forward to. Take comfort in knowing she will now be always at peace and watching down with a protectful eye as her freinds and family continue on with their lives.
Cheri---Ohio
January 21, 2011
Swart Family,
My heart goes out to your family. Such a tragedy. I did not personally know Carla, but "death is an enemy" to all who are affected by it. (1 Cor. 15:26) May the God of all comfort give your family and friends the needed strength to get through this sad time.
Lisa
Donald Stuber
January 21, 2011
I did not know Carla. I am saddened by her death. I pray for her family and friends.
January 21, 2011
RIP young Carla.
Wanisha Boisselle
January 21, 2011
This is truly a sad day for many. I am sorry to learn about this unfortunate event. She was so young and accomplished so many things. May God be with you, the family and friends providing you a means of comfort. He promises he will. James 4:8
Peggy Adair
January 21, 2011
Amen, Carla, Amen
January 21, 2011
Gone too soon. Time and unforseen occurence befalls of all. But The God of tender mercies has promised to soon undo the causes of distress. "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more neither will mourning nor outcry, nor pain be any more. The former things have passed away."
January 21, 2011
VERY SAD INDEED....SHE WAS A CHAMPION ! ! !
justin t
January 21, 2011
sad to hear the loss for the ,mc community being a lmc alum this holds a special place for me
Bob Dremock
January 20, 2011
As a cyclist it breaks my heart to hear something like this. It sounds like she just made a mistake which we are all capable of making. I never knew Carla but as a father of 3 year old boy, I can't imagine losing a child, friend, or teammate so young. My thoughts go out to her family, friends, and teammates. RIP Carla
Larry Soucie
January 20, 2011
I was so saddened, when I read this artical on line... They say time heals everything and I beleave it does. She will be taking a new adventure now, in what I call the promise land. I am sure she will be doing what she loves. My prayers go out to her family, friends and loved ones...
Denise Fletcher
January 20, 2011
I am so sorry for your terrible loss. I witnessed the death of a very close friend this summer while riding next to her. The next few months will be very hard but I have found focusing on the good memories will help ease your pain. My condolences.
January 20, 2011
GOD BLESS...
R Golay
January 20, 2011
To the the family of Carla Swart - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Carla will be missed by many.
Mintra Mankasingh
January 20, 2011
As I read this story, I could not help but feel heart broken and sad for your terrible loss. I understand. In November 1998 I lost my 21yr old son whom today would have been 24yrs old. I am sendin a prayer that the Good Lord will shower you with his healing and comfort dust that you may deal with this tragedy with ease.
Leon Darnell
January 20, 2011
RIP Carla. When I ride my bicycle, I will think of you.
Mark
January 20, 2011
As a fellow cyclist, I feel for her and her family. A sad and terrible loss!
January 20, 2011
To the Family, My condolences for your lost. San Francisco, CA
Chester & Ginger Mankowski
January 20, 2011
We are sorry for your loss of your daughter, best friend. Surely Carla stands next to God, completely understanding all of His mysterious ways. We send this poem to help ease your grief:
"There will come a day
when the tears of sorrow
will softly flow into tears of remembrance...
and your heart will begin to heal itself...
and grieving will be interrupted by episodes of joy...
and you will hear the whisper of hope.
There will come a day
when you will welcome the tears of remembrance...
as a sunshower of the soul...
a turning of the tide...
a promise of peace.
There will come a day when you will...
risk loving...
go on believing...
and treasure the tears of remembering.
There will come a day
when you will have the greatest reunion...
your souls will renew with the presence of God...
your hearts will rejoice in glorious peace...
and...
your love will continue for eternity."
Jane Dowling
January 20, 2011
God bless you, Carla, and your loved ones.
D. Borst
January 20, 2011
A heartbreaking tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that love Carla.
Lynda Rutherford
January 20, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this young lady.
KR
January 20, 2011
Swart Family,
May Jehovah God, the God of all comfort and tender mercies grant your family the strength to cope during this difficult time.
CD
January 20, 2011
To Carla's family, I am so sorry. Unforseen occurrence befall us all. The hope for the dead is the resurrection. We can be sure that Almighty God has the power and the will to undo terrible tragedies, such as yours (Job 14:1,14,15).
January 20, 2011
May God Bless You.
Sheby Schestag
January 20, 2011
Carla and I attended the same college, and though she came to school after I graduated, she left a mark on all those who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family. I'm sorry I never knew her.
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