Career She was born in Pretoria. Maakal also competed in the 1930 British Empire Games and swam in two finals.
Achievements In the 1932 Olympics she won a bronze medal in the 400 m freestyle event and was sixth in the 100 m freestyle event. Four years later she won the silver medal in the 440 yards freestyle competition and as member of the South African team in the 4×100 yards freestyle relay contest.