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By Levy Masiteng
Dr Danilo von Ludwiger, a recent University of Pretoria (UP) graduate, said he aims to qualify for the 2025 International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Beach Volleyball World Championships in Australia and hopes to compete at the 2028 LA Olympics.
This comes after he was able to master the art of balancing two demanding passions: medicine and volleyball.
UP said that while he was earning his MBChB degree, Von Ludwiger represented South Africa in volleyball, winning titles and breaking records along the way.
After he switched from ice hockey to volleyball due to the high costs, Von Ludwiger quickly made his mark.
“Volleyball was more affordable, and I found an amazing community,” he said.
Von Ludwiger won the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Beach Volleyball titles and represented South Africa at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games in Brazil.
According to UP his time management skills were put to the test as he juggled nine volleyball sessions a week alongside his final year of medical studies.
“It was tough but humbling,” he said.
“International players train full-time – I had to manage training around clinical rotations and exams.”
Despite the challenges, Von Ludwiger thrived, and credited his early education for teaching him how to work independently.
Now as a qualified doctor, Von Ludwiger plans to complete his internship while remaining active in volleyball.
Long-term, he is considering specialising in sports medicine or orthopaedics to combine his passions.
“Sport teaches you discipline, resilience and how to work in a team – all vital in a hospital setting. Whether you’re working with doctors, nurses or allied health professionals, being a good team player is non-negotiable,” Von Ludwiger said.
He advised current student-athletes to live life fully and not be scared to make mistakes.
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