Recent developments in the sporting world have shown and proven that women's participation in sporting codes should not be seen as a mere exercise in ticking boxes but as a long-overdue progress.
Globally, young women can now look up to their role models and heroines regarding female participation in sports. These are young girls who have grand ambitions and are starting to realise their dreams at an early age. There have been many challenges, such as the need for equal pay and commercial opportunities, more often granted to male sporting codes.
One of these is Giuliana Saladino, 6, a karting marvel already making waves in her age group and poised to be a dominant force as her career progresses. While it is a known fact that karting is male-dominated, parental support has consistently proven that when all children, particularly girls, are equally supported, they can achieve their sporting goals.
Giuliana comes from a racing family—her grandfather, Larry Wilford, is hailed as one of racing’s legends and has been in the sport for over fifty years. Her brother, Matteo, 11, is also a talented karting participant who always encourages and supports his young sister.
More than her parents’ support, Giuliana has received incredible support from her friends, the karting community, and, importantly, the business sector. In Giuliana’s case, she has been fortunate that when her parents approached Supa Quick, they were welcomed with open arms as her story fit in well with the brand's values.
With this kind of support, Giuliana is undoubtedly set for the bigger stage, which can be her taking the podium at the Rok Cup South African Championship in the Kid Rok category, which she looks to compete in the 2025 season. She has already taken to the podium several times at her base, the Vereeniging Karting Club, where she finished third in the 2023 SSS Championship, which coincidently was also her rookie year.
Giuliana’s story inspires and showcases what happens when a mother gets behind and encourages her daughter to pursue her dreams. Giuliana’s mom, Natalie, was exposed to late workshop nights with her dad, teaching her how to use tools and exercises like bleeding brakes, which captivated her interest in the sport. She wasn’t given the opportunity to participate in motorsport herself. However, that hasn’t stopped this mom from ensuring her kids get to realise their shared passion for the sport.
Natalie said her daughter’s interest was cemented when she was found in the garage, pretending to be racing in her brother’s kart. In 2022, at the tender age of 4, Giuliana’s parents presented her with her first kart. She promptly gave it the number four, not because she’s a Lando fan, a diehard Ferrari fan, but because she was 4, reminding us of just how little she really was.
Her natural sense of karting was realised, and she has loved every minute ever since.
Her parents and those rallying behind her are keen to see her progress, inspire other girls to join the sport, and aspire to be tomorrow’s role models. With a likeable character off the track and a fierce competitor on the track, Giuliana has proven that she respects the racing environment and has displayed growing maturity when it comes to winning and coming second. Her mom has alluded to how the young talent is a hope for the future and is always keen to follow where her heart takes her.
Giuliana has recently attracted interest from international driver academies focusing on female drivers, such as More Than Equal and Iron Dames Young Talent, tracking her development and progress and requesting her application for their programs when she is eligible.
As Giuliana looks to a future where she represents South Africa globally, she remains humble and grounded and continues to learn how best to take hard knocks. While she may know she can ascend the podium every week, her future looks bright, and her attitude and achievements in karting are one for the books for generations to come.