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For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

This year’s Games are set to be the biggest in history with a record of 168 countries and 4 400 para-athletes competing.

South Africa have 28 athletes at Paris 2024 Paralympics

As reported by The South African website, South Africa will be represented by 28 athletes in nine different sports codes.

Para-athletes are placed into different events depending on their mobility, coordination, absence of limbs, or visual impairment.

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has promised Team SA’s Paralympians the same financial incentives for winning a medal as their Paris 2024 Olympic counterparts.

Para-athletes who win gold will receive R400 000, while their coach will earn R100 000.

Silver medallists and their coaches will be awarded R200 000 and R50 000, respectively, while the bronze medal payouts will be R75 000 for athletes and R25 000 for coaches.

Given the unique nature of the Paralympics, guides for visually impaired athletes will also receive the same payouts as the coaches who earn a medal.

Meanwhile, incentives will also be different for Boccia, a precision ball sport for neurological conditions related to cerebral palsy, where para-athletes will earn:

R200 000 per athlete and R100 000 for the coach for a gold medal

R100 000 per athlete and R50 000 for the coach for a silver medal

R40 000 per athlete and R20 000 for the coach for a bronze medal

At the most recent Paralympics in Tokyo, Team SA finished 34th in the final medal table with seven medals, made up of four golds, one silver and two bronzes.

China dominated proceedings, winning 96 golds, 60 silvers and 51 bronzes for 207 medals overall.

This year’s Paralympics will conclude on 8 September.

Meanwhile, as first reported by The South African website, South Africa won six medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

South Africa’s medals were won by:

GOLD (1) – Tatjana Smith (women’s 100m breaststroke)

SILVERS (3) – Tatjana Smith (women’s 200m breaststroke), men’s 4x100m relay team, Jo-Ane van Dyk (women’s javelin)

BRONZES (2) – Alan Hatherly (men’s mountain bike cross country), rugby sevens team

PAYOUTS

* Benjamin Richardson did not compete in the 4x100m relay, but was an official member of the squad. Sineseipho Dambile was named as a reserve for the relay. It’s unclear whether either will be paid

** Katlego Letebele and Ronald Brown were named as reserves for the men’s rugby sevens. It’s unclear whether they will be paid

Final Team SA squad for Paris Paralympics

ARCHERY

Men: Shaun Anderson (W1)

Management: Barbara Manning

ATHLETICS

Men: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (T44 100m and long jump), Kerwin Noemdo (F46 shot put), Puseletso Mabote (T63 100m and long jump), Collen Mahlalela (T47 400m), Khumo Pitso (T46 high jump), Jaco Smit (T12 100m), Daniel du Plessis (T62 400m), Hermanus Blom (F12 shot put), Erasmus Badenhorst (guide, 1500m), Claus Kempen (guide, marathon) and Paul Daniels (T22 400m)

Women: Simone Kruger (T38 discus), Sheryl James (T37 100m, 200m, 400m), Louzanne Coetzee (T11 1500m and marathon), Liezel Gouws (T37 200m and long jump) and Yane van der Merwe (F44 discus)

Management: Lappies Swanepoel, Jason Sewanyana, Michael Louwrens and Daniel Damon

BOCCIA

Men: Karabo Cassius Morapedi (BC3) and Matobako Vincent Ramochela (BC3 ramp operator)

Women: Elanza Jordaan (BC3) and Sandre Jordaan (BC3 ramp operator)

Management: Reinet Barnard and Marisa Potgieter

CYCLING

Men: Pieter du Preez

Management: Mark Williams (mechanic) and Ilse du Preez

EQUESTRIAN

Women: Philippa Johnson-Dwyer and Christiaan Haazen (groom)

Manager: Ingeborg Sanne

JUDO

Men: Ndyeni Lamani (J1, under 73kg)

Management: Dirk Crafford

PARA-TRIATHLON

Women: Kirsty Weir

Management: Rohan Kennedy

SWIMMING

Men: Nathan Hendricks (S13 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, SB13 100m breaststroke) and Christian Sadie (S7 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m freestyle, SM7 200m individual medley)

Women: Alani Ferreira (S12 400m freestyle, SB12 100m breaststroke, SM12 200m Individual Medley, S12-S13 100m butterfly), Danika Vyncke (SB13 100m breaststroke) and Kat Swanepoel (SM5 200m Individual Medley, S5 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, SB4 100m breaststroke, S14 400m freestyle)

Management: Theo Verster, Chad Peterson and Julayga Cassim

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

Men: Alwande Sikhosana, Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole

Women: Kgothatso Montjane and Mariska Venter

Management: Genevieve Barnes and Patrick Selepe

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

The opening ceremony was focused on the Place de la Concorde, with the first of the 549 gold medals to be awarded on Thursday.

Paris 2024 Paralympics will see 4 400 athletes compete

Team SA has three codes in action on the opening day of action – archery, swimming and boccia.

The city, which has just come off a successful staging of the Olympics, will play host to 4 400 Paralympic athletes from 184 delegations as they celebrate the commencement of 11 days of competition.

Para-athlete Mpumelelo Mhlongo and para-swimmer Kat Swanepoel were joint flag-bearers for South Africa as the waiting for them, and millions of observers from around the world, was finally over.

The ceremony again took place outside the confines of a stadium, with athletes parading down the famous Champs-Elysées, culminating in a celebration and official opening of the Paralympic Games at the iconic Place de la Concorde in front of thousands of spectators.

The Artistic Director for the Ceremonies at the Olympics and Paralympics, Thomas Jolly, said the spectacle “showcased the Paralympic athletes and the values that they embody.”

He described the concept as “first and foremost a magnificent source of inspiration”.

As with the Olympics, South Africa jumped to near the front of the list of parading nations, behind Afghanistan, because its name in French is Afrique du Sud.

They therefore slotted in ahead of Algeria, Germany, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba and Austria.

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

In the archery, now three-time Paralympian Shaun Anderson is involved in the men’s individual ranking, before both boccia competitors Karabo Morapedi and Elanza Jordaan make their Paralympic debuts.

Swimming sees Nathan Hendricks take to the water and is a potential finalist in the men’s 100m butterfly S13, depending on the outcome of his morning heats.

ARCHERY

Men’s W1 individual ranking round (09:00): Shaun Anderson is one of 17 para-archers in action

BOCCIA

Men’s individual, BC3, Preliminary Pool A (14:00): Korabo Morapedi vs Daniel Michel (Aus)

Women’s individual, BC3, Preliminary Pool B (20:00): Elanza Jordaan vs Kei Yuen Ho (Kong Kong)

SWIMMING

Men’s 100m butterfly, S13 heats (11:03): Nathan Hendricks is in the first of two heats. The fastest 8 qualifiers from the heats go to the final

Men’s 100m butterfly, S13 final: Nathan Hendricks TBD

Tatjana Smith fact file

Info via olympics.com’s official website.

• Tatjana started swimming at age five and began competing at eight. She joined Tuks Sport School at 15.
• Missed qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in the 200m breaststroke by 0.01 seconds (one-hundredth of a second).
• became Olympic 200m breaststroke champion at Tokyo 2020, setting a then-world record of 2:18.95 and becoming the fifth South African to win an individual Olympic swimming title (Joan Harrison 1952, Penny Heynes 1996, Cameron van der Burgh 2012, Chad le Clos 2012).
• On 04 November 2023, she married Joel Smith in Robertson, South Africa. Smith’s brother-in-law is South African rugby union captain and icon Siya Kolisi, World Cup winner in 2019 and 2023.
• Smith regards Usain Bolt, Penny Heyns, Chad le Clos and Michael Phelps as her sporting heroes. These four legends have 37 Olympic golds between them.

Why does Tatjana swim?

“My love for swimming makes me want to get up every morning and go to training. It’s like my second home. Being fortunate enough to travel the world doing what I love, seeing new places and meeting new people and sports heroes, motivates me a lot. The most important thing every young swimmer should realise is that nothing is impossible. They only need to believe and be prepared to put in the long and hard hours.”

Disappointment is part and parcel of elite sport

Reflecting on missing qualification for the 200m breaststroke in Rio, Smith was typically upbeat about one of the biggest setbacks in her professional career.

“2016 was a bit of a disappointment, but I knew everything happens for a reason. I wasn’t ready at that time. We got our hopes up and then I kind of got a dip, creating all that expectation. My fall was quite big, and I had to try and fall in love with the sport again.

“Looking back, maybe I needed to go through that disappointment to take me where I was in 2021 – more of a confident swimmer.” 

And her philosophy?

“Focus on one’s improvement and one’s own goals rather than comparing oneself to others. If you’re constantly improving, you’ll eventually get to the top. For me, it was always about improving my time.”

Tebogo put Botswana on the map at the Paris 2024 Olympics

21-year-old Letsile Tebogo produced the run of his life to claim gold in a much-anticipated 200m event. He was the fastest qualifier and the only man to go under 20 seconds in the semi-finals, so he was certainly expected to medal. However, 100m champion and American superstar Noah Lyles was the overwhelming favourite to claim gold alongside his compatriot Kenny Bednarek. However, Tebogo ripped up the script and stormed to the line first in 19.46 seconds ahead of Bednarek in 19.62 and Lyles in 19.70. Tebogo is the first African man to win this event and it’s the first gold medal in Botswana’s history at the Olympic Games. Touchingly, Tebogo revealed the birthdate of his late mother on his running shoes in the moments after claiming what must have been a truly emotional victory.

Tebogo followed this trailblazing success up with gold at a recent Diamond League meeting in Switzerland. He eased across the line in 19.64 seconds for another win. He’s in the form of his life.

Was the Paris 2024 Olympics the greatest event of its kind in history?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

South Africa is represented by five athletes – Kgothatso Montjane, Mariska Venter, Donald Ramphadi, Lucas Sithole, and Alwande Sikhosana – competing across the women’s, men’s, and quads categories.

The event is set to begin on Friday, 30 August, with the finals scheduled for Saturday, 7 September.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Kgothatso Montjane, currently ranked world No 8, is seeded seventh in the women’s singles draw.

Montjane is eyeing her first Paralympic medal in Paris, starting her campaign against China’s Luoyao Guo, who is ranked 19th globally.

Should she progress, Montjane could face a formidable challenge in the quarter-finals against the Dutch top seed, Diede de Groot.

Kgothatso Montjane will partner Mariska Venter

Joining Montjane in the women’s draw is Mariska Venter who faces a tough opening match against Japan’s Yui Kamiji, the world No 2.

Venter, ranked 32nd, will be aiming to cause an upset as she battles to advance to the next round.

Venter will join forces with Montjane in the doubles competition, where they hope to make a deep run.

Alwande Sikhosana, the reigning Africa Para-Games champion, is the sole South African in the men’s draw.

The 24-year-old, ranked 20th in the world, will face Brazil’s 51-year-old Gustavo Silva, ranked 36th, in his first match.

This will be their second encounter, with Silva having won their previous meeting at the 2019 BNP Paribas World Team Cup in straight sets.

In the quads event, two-time Grand Slam champion Donald Ramphadi, ranked world No 4, is set to make his Paralympic debut.

He begins his journey against Brazil’s Leandro Pena, the world No 13.

‘Means a lot’

A potential second-round clash with Dutch top seed Sam Schroder looms large if Ramphadi advances.

“It’s not going to be easy. Everyone who qualifies for the Paralympics is exceptional at what they do. The draw at the Paralympic Games is as tough as any Grand Slam – there are no easy matches. I am excited to play, enjoy myself, and showcase my talent on the biggest stage,” Ramphadi shared with the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

“Competing at the Paralympics for the first time means a lot to me. I have spent the last three years striving to qualify, and now that I am here, it already feels like a victory. But I also remind myself that I’m carrying the South African flag on my shoulders. I will give my all to represent my country well.”

Joining Ramphadi in the quads event is former world No 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion Lucas Sithole.

Sithole has drawn a challenging first-round match against second seed Niels Vink of the Netherlands, who has dominated the Wheelchair Tennis Tour in recent years.

Sithole and Ramphadi will also pair up for the doubles competition, where they aim to make an impact.

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

Rohan Kennedy is assembling Kirsty Weir’s competition bike and this is a good time to have a chat with the para-triathlete.

I ask her to wait a minute so that I can fetch a chair, even if it is made of sturdy cardboard, just like the beds the athletes sleep on.

“Not to worry, I’ll sit on the floor. I’m happy to sit on the floor.”

The chair is fetched, but her point sums up who she is – in fact, who every Paralympian is.

Joy, a word she uses often, is etched across Weir’s features.

And the phrase she uses most often: “I’m the luckiest Paralympian in the world.”

“I have been gifted the most amazing opportunity, and in this past year that I’ve been doing para-triathlon I’ve met the most amazing people in my life. I genuinely can’t express my happiness. I feel safe, accepted, and it just feels right. And that’s the hardest thing for me to understand, because I’ve never experienced that before. I’ve had many trials and tribulations that I’m not comfortable going into now, but for the first time, I’m feeling a bit safer.”

Originally from East London, this 44-year-old has always been on the move, not that all of it was voluntary.

“I went to almost every school in East London because we moved house every two years. And my mom loved doing up houses, so we were always on the go.”

The younger Weir was so talented that she went to the United States on a cross-country scholarship and at the age of 18 she entered her first Two Oceans half-marathon in Cape Town.

There, she finished 18th in 1:30:45.

A year later she was the second female home in 1:22:27 and another year later she won the famous half-marathon in 1:18:24 at age 20.

The world was at her feet, in every sense.

However, only in a parallel universe does life follow a pre-written script.

“I’m the luckiest Paralympian in the world.”

“I can remember the day as clearly as anything. We were living at Atlantic Beach in Cape Town, and I was running down the main road. All of a sudden, my left leg wasn’t there. It was swinging. That’s the only way to describe it. Fourteen years ago, I was 30. I went to a physiotherapist, biokineticist, chiropractor, even the Sports Science Institute. I tore strips from the Yellow Pages and put them into my shoes to build them up. I was told by the experts, ‘it’s all in your mind’. I just kept trying to find an answer. Surely I wasn’t fabricating what was happening to me? But you think you must be mad, because these people are telling you there’s nothing wrong with you. And then I started having severe migraines, which I still have for three or four days at a time. I’d fall a lot, be unsteady on my feet, have a loss of power and balance. I didn’t know what was going on but I kept running, kept trying to be who I had been. I was even tipped for a top 10 Comrades finish that year.

“Things got worse and the next 14 years were difficult. I was eventually diagnosed with a rare condition called neurological lupus. It took so long to discover that I’ve got lesions on the brain. It’s affected the brain and destroyed muscles on my left side. In those 14 years, everything degenerated, and I was constantly told by experts that it was all in my mind, that I was ‘crazy’, so I kept going, but the performances kept getting worse. I didn’t understand, but being stubborn and stupid, I kept going.

“People say, ‘I’m sorry,’ but I’m so grateful. I know that the condition will never reverse or go away.”

“I’m the luckiest Paralympian in the world.”

She stetches out her hands. It’s a warm day in Paris, and warm enough inside the village for short sleeves, but Weir has her green Team SA tracksuit on and she’s still feeling cold. “You can see I’m blue because the blood doesn’t flow, and I get hypothermia quickly. I’m losing my teeth, my hair has fallen out. It just attacks everything in your body. So it’s attacked my brain, my nerves, my muscles. But, there’s nothing negative. Hair is hair, teeth are teeth. I have life and I have this life. I am blessed. I ask myself, ‘who gets to do this life that I have?’

“I’m the luckiest Paralympian in the world.”

Weir is still soaking up the experience of being a 2024 Paralympian living in the official village in Paris.

She brought her own Future Life low GI food and some sachets of Nestle instant coffee, not knowing that all nutrition is freely available in the village.

Before she takes a sip of a protein chocolate shake from a “Grab ’n Go’s” that are available for athletes, she says to Rohan, her coach, “is this OK for me to have, does it have a banned substance in it?”

His answer is no, but it shows the commitment Weir has to being a Team SA Paralympian that she’s concerned about contaminated liquids.

“Whenever I’ve travelled, I’ve always been alone. I’ve never had anybody with me, and with a bike and gammy legs and all sorts, it’s been a hard year. I’ve always had to take my own food, I can’t afford to buy anything. For the first time I’m having a ready-made protein drink. I’m completely overwhelmed.”

France is her second trip outside of South Africa in her developing career of international para-triathlete.

“I went to Australia in March this year, but unfortunately, I had a lupus attack the morning of my event. It was just a struggle to get up and out of bed and the swimming was horrible. But I finished. The thing with neurological lupus is that you never know what’s going to happen next. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Some days I get up to train and I make it to the garage and I fall on the floor and spend the next three hours crying because there’s just nothing, nothing left in me. But I keep getting up, keep trying and that in itself gives me a reason to continue.

“I have a support system at home, but my parents are …” and her voice trails off.

She takes a moment.

“We struggle … my dad is 82 and my mom is 75 but life is difficult … we had to move to Gqeberha less than a month ago…”

“I’m the luckiest Paralympian in the world.”

“When I was a runner, I developed anorexia to a point where I weighed 29kg. The doctors sent me home to die, basically. My mom would pack me a hot dog for lunch and I’d throw the roll away and eat the vienna, but leave a few crumbs in the lunchbox and she’d think I’d eaten the whole thing. Then something clicked in me and said, ‘I need to get better’. But I had zero help. I had no psychologist, psychiatrist, dietitian. I had to do it all alone. And then somebody said, ’oh, you’ve put on weight and you’re looking so good’.

“So, when I got better, I told myself that if I could inspire just one person to never give up I’d have achieved something. And I said to my mom, ‘Mommy, I want to do motivational speaking. Anorexia is nothing.’ And then I went back to running. And then, this happened. I didn’t expect this to be part of the journey. I thought the journey was going to end there.”

“I’m the luckiest Paralympian in the world.”

“When I say that I mean it. If I wasn’t afflicted by this then I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be living the dream as a Para-triathlete in Paris. I had wanted to start out as a para-runner, and they I was classified for athletics. So I thought, ‘oh, cool’, I’m gonna run now. And then a lady from Triathlon South Africa, Beryl Campbell, phoned me and suggested I tried triathlon. I replied, ‘You’re bloody mad. I don’t swim …’ but, don’t plant a seed in my head. Two days later, I found out there was a local triathlon in Knysna. I borrowed a bike and an old helmet and bike shoes. Afterwards, my mom said, ‘you didn’t enjoy that’. I said, ‘oh, Mommy, I loved it!’

“From there, I borrowed bikes for the next year, became the South African para champ, the African para champ. But, I still didn’t know about Paralympics until TSA said I must try the world circuit. But they told me I wouldn’t qualify for Paris because I only had a year to do so.

“Don’t tell me I can’t do something. I’m stubborn and stupid. That’s what keeps me going.

“Being here, I look at these people that inspire me so much more than you will know. I have so much joy inside me. I have never felt so safe … I’ve met the most amazing people … I’m humbled, grateful, I don’t even know how to express what joy it gives me and what it means to me and the people that it brought into my life.

“I was watching something last night about the Paralympics, and I saw a motivational speaker say, ‘if you’re a para athlete, you mustn’t ask, ‘why did it happen to me?’ But, I’ve never said, ‘Why me, am I sick?’ I say, ‘Why am I getting all of this wonderful stuff in my life?’ I can’t understand how all this good stuff is happening to me. I can’t understand it.”

Later in the day I bump into Weir as she’s making her way back into Team SA headquarters and towards her room.

“I’ve just been on the phone to my mom and told her about my day. I’m not sure she even believes what an experience I’m having.”

“I’m the luckiest Paralympian in the world.”

Gary Lemke is reporting live from Paris for the Team SA website for the duration of the Paris Olympics 2024

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

For reference when it comes to the classification of the athletes and what they are competing in, here’s a guide to their category.

ARCHERY

W1 Shaun Anderson

Archers with moderately affected coordination, highly affected range of movement, or the absence of limbs. These archers all shoot from seated and create their own style in pulling the bow back and aiming.

ATHLETICS

T11 Louzanne Coetzee (1500m and marathon)

Runners with a near-total visual impairment. Some can make out an object at 25cm but all compete with a sighted guide runner.

T12 Jaco Smit (100m)

Vision is constricted to a radius of less than five degrees and/or the ability to recognise a moving object at a distance of one metre.

T37 Sheryl James (100m, 200m, 400m), Liezel Gouws (400m and long jump)

Athletes with movement and coordination moderately affected down one side. They have to compensate for asymmetry in the start, stride and overall power distribution.

T38 Simone Kruger (discus)

Athletes with movement and coordination affected to a low degree in the lower trunk and legs, down one side or the whole body. They show asymmetry and slightly reduced co-ordination of muscle movement. Their running style is smoothed out as they increase in speed.

T44 Mpumelelo Mhlongo (100m and long jump), Tezna Abrahams (long jump and 200m)

Athletes with movement affected at a low or moderate degree in one lower leg. They have unaffected knee joints allowing for controlled power delivery but they must focus harder to sense and grip the track surface.

T46 Khumo Pitso (high jump)

Runners with movement moderately or highly affected in one or both arms or the absence of limbs. These athletes generate drive almost exclusively using the legs with reduced counterbalance from the arms.

T47 Collen Mahlalela (400m)

Runners with movement affected at a low to moderate degree in one arm or the absence of limbs. They adjust for asymmetric upper body balance.

T62 Paul Daniels (400m), Daniel du Plessis (400m)

Athletes with the absence of both legs below the knee. All have difficulty accelerating out of the blocks.

T63 Puseletso Mabote (100m and long jump)

Runners with the absence of one leg above the knee. All have difficulty accelerating out of the blocks.

F12 Hermanus Blom (shot put)

Field athletes with a visual impairment. These throwers have a moderate visual impairment. They have a restricted field of view or their central vision is a blur.

F44 Yane van der Merwe (discus)

Field athletes with available movement moderately affected in one lower leg. These athletes have to adjust for asymmetric balance; in the run-up javelin, and across the throwing circle in shot out and discus.

F46 Kerwin Noemdo (shot put)

Field athletes with moderately affected movement in one or both arms or the absence of limbs. These athletes have to transmit power from hips and legs into the throw.

BOCCIA

BC3 Karabo Cassius Morapedi and Elanza Jordaan

Competitors with movement moderately affected in the trunk and to a high degree in the limbs. Athletes use a ramp to deliver the ball onto the court via a mouth pointer, head pointer or finger release.

CYCLING

H1 Pieter du Preez

Hand cyclists that have highly affected movement in the trunk, legs and hands. All generate power just using their upper arms and shoulders. Some may use devices to assist with grip.

EQUESTRIAN

G4 (GIV) Philippa Johnson-Dwyer

Riders with low to moderate level of coordination, moderately affected movement in the hip joint, the absence of limbs, or a near-total visual impairment. These riders are capable of circling and changes of pace at walk, trot and canter.

JUDO

J1 Ndyeni Lamani (under 73kg)

For visually impaired athletes. They begin each fight in a hold and must not move outside of the mat, though completely blind fighters are allowed occasional steps outside.

PARA-TRIATHLON

PTS4 Kirsty Weir

Triathletes have coordination affected at a low-level on one side, at a high degree in one arm, or the absence of limbs. In the swim all have a reduction of power. In the cycle PTS4’s tend to either have good power but reduced control or vice-versa. In the run all compensate for imbalance and asymmetry.

SWIMMING

S5 Kat Swanepoel (50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle)

Swimmers with co-ordination moderately affected, movement highly affected in the mid-trunk and legs, or the absence of limbs. These swimmers have difficulty holding good body position or swimming straight.

SB4 Kat Swanepoel (100m breaststroke)

Breaststroke swimmers with co-ordination affected to a moderate degree in the whole body, or to a high degree in the trunk and legs.

SM5 Kat Swanepoel (200m IM)

Medley swimmers with co-ordination moderately affected, movement highly affected in the mid-trunk and legs, or the absence of limbs.

S7 Christian Sadie (50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m freestyle)

Movement affected from a low to moderate level in the arms, trunk and legs, moderately down one side, those with short stature, or the absence of limbs. All these swimmers have to work harder at stroke timing or getting hold of the water.

SM7 Christian Sadie (200m IM)

Medley swimmers with movement affected from a low to moderate level in the arms, trunk and legs, moderately down one side, those with short stature, or the absence of limbs.

S12 Alani Ferreira (400m freestyle)

Swimmers with a visual impairment. They have a restricted field of view and some cannot see the black line on the bottom of the pool. They can see the end of lane from one metre away.

SB12 Alani Ferreira (100m breaststroke)

Same as above, but for breaststroke.

SM12 Alani Ferreira (200m IM)

Same as above, but for medley.

S12-13 Alani Ferreira (100m butterfly)

Swimmers with a visual impairment. Their peripheral vision is restricted and/or they are able to see the end of the pool at a maximum of five metres.

S13 Nathan Hendricks (200m individual medley, 100m backstroke)

Same as above.

SB13 Nathan Hendricks and Danika Vyncke (100m breaststroke)

Same as above, but for breaststroke.

S14 Kat Swanepoel (400m freestyle)

Swimmers who have an intellectual impairment. These swimmers find it hard to understand and apply training techniques and competition strategies, especially in busy competition swimming arenas.

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

QT Donald Ramphadi, Lucas Sithole

Players have affected movement and coordination in all four limbs. These players are affected in their ability to propel or manoeuvre their wheelchair and perform a full range of normal tennis strokes. Some players may not be able to perform an overhead serve.

WT Alwande Sikhosana, Kgothatso Montjane and Mariska Venter

Players are affected in the legs, hips or have the absence of lower limbs. All players have a full range of shots and are able to move around the court quickly and precisely in their wheelchair.

Gary Lemke is reporting live from Paris for the Team SA website for the duration of the Paris Olympics 2024

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

Fortunately, he’s ours, South African and is one of two flagbearers for the country when the 2024 Paralympics burst into life on Wednesday night.

Dazzling CV

The 30-year-old is taking part in his third Paralympics and this time he has very real prospects of showing that all that glitters is gold.

He has a dazzling CV and having competed in the last Paralympics in Tokyo in the T64 category, where he finished fifth in all of the 100m, 200m and long jump, he’s back in the T44’s where it all started.

For those who are looking for an explanation as to what the T44 classification is, it is this: the para-athlete must have unaffected knee joints allowing for controlled power delivery but they must focus harder to sense and grip the track surface whilst maintaining good running posture and symmetry.

Which brings us to the 30-year-old. In introducing himself he told SuperSport TV: “My Instagram handle is phantom toes, and the condition is referring to when people have been amputated and they feel a phantom limb.

“I don’t have any toes on my right side, but I am continuously told that the right way to run and the right way to do my long jump is to stay on my toes. So it’s an inner joke in my training group that the man with no toes needs to stay on his toes so that he can perform at a world-class level. I think I’m doing ok for myself up until this point?”

That final reference is rhetorical. 

Mpumelelo Mhlongo is looking to produce an exclamation mark performance

Having won gold in the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, the South African sportsman of the year with a disability goes into the Paralympics not only with gold on his mind, but a world record time as well. It’s an ambitious target, a 10.81 timing that Great British star Jamie Peacock set at the 2016 Paralympics. 

South Africans will gladly take a gold medal, but Mpumelelo Mhlongo is looking to produce an exclamation mark performance in Paris.

“I really believe that if you stop worrying about the time outcome of your race, and you break it down into three parts, and you execute those, you’ll have a year where you will break the world record, if not five times, 10 times, you finish the line, and you look at the clock and you go, that’s the world record. That’s something I might never catch again. And then you have to work towards beating your own personal best, which just so happens to be the world record in your class,” he said.

“Hopefully I can pull out a really good performance that will go into the history books. I think the big goal for Paris is to execute, execute like we’ve never before. How far can we beat our potential, wherever that might be, so definitely a world-record performance and definitely a gold medal. 

“But hopefully our sights are aimed much higher (and much further in the long jump) so that we stay in the history books for as long as possible. We can then say South Africa has held a record for 20, 30 years. Something to give some other people a chance to chase down South Africa on the global stage.”

It all starts when he joins para-swimmer Kat Swanepoel in parading at the opening ceremony with the country’s flag.

They have been constantly smiling since they arrived in Paris and those smiles are only going to get broader as the clock ticks down.

Gary Lemke is reporting live from Paris for the Team SA website for the duration of the Paris Olympics 2024

However, her road to the Paris 2024 Paralympics took an unexpected turn, one that would shake even the most seasoned athletes.

KAT SWANEPOEL AND THE PARALYMPIC RECLASSIFICATION

Swanepoel has represented South Africa in wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.

She had to face a new reality ahead of her second Paralympic Games, according to Eye Witness News.

“My reclassification flipped our world upside down,” she revealed in a candid interview.

Officials abruptly reassessed her during the European Championships, even though her reclassification was originally scheduled for 2027.

KAT SWANEPOEL ADAPTING TO NEW CLASSIFICATION

She then learned that she would now compete against athletes with more physical function.

“Within half an hour, two people changed pretty much the outcomes of my Games,” she shared.

This sudden change meant she had to adapt quickly. Not only did she need to rethink her entire strategy, but she also had to learn a new stroke for the individual medley.

KAT SWANEPOEL EMBRACES THE CHANGE

“It was completely unexpected,” she admitted, but in true Swanepoel fashion, she embraced the challenge head-on.

Swanepoel’s journey to the Paralympics is nothing short of inspiring.

She was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) during her fourth year of studying occupational therapy.

READY FOR THE CHALLENGE

Kat Swanepoel faced numerous physical challenges.

“My immune system attacks my central nervous system, causing paralysis among other issues,” she explained.

This degenerative condition has left her paralysed from the chest down, blind in one eye, and with no sensation or movement in parts of her body. Despite these challenges, Swanepoel remains undeterred.

TEAM SOUTH AFRICA

“It’s still new. It’s still something different,” she said of her experience going into her second Paralympics.

But with the support of her teammates, who she describes as “brothers and sisters,” Kat Swanepoel is ready to take on the world, according to Good Things Guy.

The sense of camaraderie within Team South Africa is palpable.

A SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM

Reflecting on the Tokyo Paralympics, which took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kat Swanepoel highlighted the importance of team support.

“There were no families allowed, no friends, no spectators. You depend on your team,” she said.

This time, with families allowed to travel, she feels even more supported but knows her swimming family will be right there with her.

RAISING SOUTH AFRICA’S FLAG

Kat Swanepoel is not just competing for herself; she’s swimming for South Africa, according to the Olympics website.

As one of the flag bearers for Team SA, she carries the hopes of a nation on her shoulders.

Her determination to raise the South African flag high is unwavering, despite the obstacles she faces.

Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unyielding spirit.

MAKING HER COUNTRY PROUD

As Swanepoel prepares to dive into the pool on 29 August, South Africans will be cheering her on. Whatever the outcome, she has already made her country proud.

Kat Swanepoel is not just a swimmer. She’s a symbol of what it means to face adversity and come out stronger on the other side.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO SEE SOUTH AFRICANS SUCCEED ON THE WORLD STAGE?

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Usain Bolt is the greatest sprinter of all time

Usain Bolt did the unthinkable by winning the treble-double of sprinting at the Olympic Games. The Man United fan born in Sherwood Content, Jamaica, scooped golds in the 100m and 200m events at three consecutive games in Beijing, London and Rio de Janeiro.

Multiple world record holder

Bolt holds the world records in the 100m, 20om and 4x100m relay events to this day. Nobody ever thought we’d see a sub-9.60 time in the 100m event but Bolt put paid to those claims in Berlin in 2009 with a stunning 9.58. He produced the quickest 200m time in history at the same event with 19.19 on the clock.

In 2008, the world watched in gobsmacked amazement as Usain Bolt showboated across the line to claim gold in Beijing, beating his chest and looking across the lanes with metres to go. Bolt ran 9.63 at London 2012 to beat countryman Yohan Blake (silver) and Tyson Gay (bronze). Remember that Blake and Gay are the second and third fastest men in history. The great man stormed to a third successive 100m gold in 2016 ahead of Justin Gatlin and Andre De Grasse. South Africa’s Akani Simbine was fourth.

Bolt is inevitable

Usain St. Leo Bolt has never come second or third in a final at the Olympics, only ever crossing the line first. If you look up Big Match Temperament in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of this enormous 1.95m man posing as a lightning bolt as millions of photographers are desperate to get the perfect shot. The only thing stopping him from holding a 9/9 record across the 100m, 200m and 4x100m finals at the Olympics was a disqualification in the relay event in Beijing 16 years ago because teammate Nesta Carter violated an anti-doping rule. Regardless, Bolt’s aura was frightening, the likes of which had never been seen before in sprinting. The nonchalance with which he crossed the line in Beijing will never be forgotten.

Letsile Tebogo carries the torch for Botswana

21-year-old Letsile Tebogo produced the run of his life to claim gold in a much-anticipated 200m event. He was the fastest qualifier and the only man to go under 20 seconds in the semi-finals, so he was certainly expected to medal. However, 100m champion and American superstar Noah Lyles was the overwhelming favourite to claim gold alongside his compatriot Kenny Bednarek. However, Tebogo ripped up the script and stormed to the line first in 19.46 seconds ahead of Bednarek in 19.62 and Lyles in 19.70. Tebogo is the first African man to win this event and it’s the first gold medal in Botswana’s history at the Olympic Games. Touchingly, Tebogo revealed the birthdate of his late mother on his running shoes in the moments after claiming what must have been a truly emotional victory.

Tebogo is the fifth-fastest man over the 200m distance in history. Usain Bolt’s mark of 19.19 still sits at the top of the pile, followed by his fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake with 19.26, Noah Lyles who ran 19.31 in Eugene last year and the legendary Michael Johnson’s 19.32 set in 1996.

Who’s the greatest Olympian in history? What was your highlight of the Paris 2024 Olympics?

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For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section

They will conclude on 8 September.

For these Games there are a record number of countries competing (168), a record number of para-athletes (4 400), a record number of female athletes (1 983) and a record number of events for females (235).

South Africa will send a 28-strong contingent to this year’s Paralympics.

Flag-bearers for Team SA at Wednesday’s opening ceremony will be para-athlete Mpumelelo Mhlongo and para-swimmer Kat Swanepoel.

Full Team SA squad

ARCHERY

Men: Shaun Anderson (W1)

Management: Barbara Manning

ATHLETICS

Men: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (T44 100m and long jump), Kerwin Noemdo (F46 shot put), Puseletso Mabote (T63 100m and long jump), Collen Mahlalela (T47 400m), Khumo Pitso (T46 high jump), Jaco Smit (T12 100m), Daniel du Plessis (T62 400m), Hermanus Blom (F12 shot put), Erasmus Badenhorst (guide, 1500m), Claus Kempen (guide, marathon) and Paul Daniels (T22 400m)

Women: Simone Kruger (T38 discus), Sheryl James (T37 100m, 200m, 400m), Louzanne Coetzee (T11 1500m and marathon), Liezel Gouws (T37 400m and long jump), Yane van der Merwe (F44 discus) and Tezna Abrahams (T44 long jump and 200m)

Management: Lappies Swanepoel, Jason Sewanyana, Michael Louwrens and Daniel Damon

BOCCIA

Men: Karabo Cassius Morapedi (BC3) and Matobako Vincent Ramochela (BC3 ramp operator)

Women: Elanza Jordaan (BC3) and Sandre Jordaan (BC3 ramp operator)

Management: Reinet Barnard and Marisa Potgieter

CYCLING

Men: Pieter du Preez

Management: Mark Williams (mechanic) and Ilse du Preez

EQUESTRIAN

Women: Philippa Johnson-Dwyer and Christiaan Haazen (groom)

Manager: Ingeborg Sanne

JUDO

Men: Ndyeni Lamani (J1, under 73kg)

Management: Dirk Crafford

PARA-TRIATHLON

Women: Kirsty Weir

Management: Rohan Kennedy

SWIMMING

Men: Nathan Hendricks (S13 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, SB13 100m breaststroke) and Christian Sadie (S7 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m freestyle, SM7 200m individual medley)

Women: Alani Ferreira (S12 400m freestyle, SB12 100m breaststroke, SM12 200m Individual Medley, S12-S13 100m butterfly), Danika Vyncke (SB13 100m breaststroke) and Kat Swanepoel (SM5 200m Individual Medley, S5 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, SB4 100m breaststroke, S14 400m freestyle)

Management: Theo Verster, Chad Peterson and Julayga Cassim

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

Men: Alwande Sikhosana, Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole

Women: Kgothatso Montjane and Mariska Venter

Management: Genevieve Barnes and Patrick Selepe

About the South African Paris Paralympics 2024 flag bearers:

Mpumelelo Mhlongo

Paralympian Mpumelelo Mhlongo is a T44 100m sprinter and long jumper.

He was the winner of Athletics South Africa’s Sportsman of the Year 2024 with a Disability.

He won the men’s 100m T44 at the 2023 and 2024 Para Athletics World Championships, where he broke the T44 200m world record and set the T44 200m, 100m, and long jump Para Athletics Games records.

His aim is to beat his own world records in the 100m and long jump when he participates in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Kat Swanepoel

Swanepoel is a versatile swimmer competing in the SM5 200m Individual Medley, S5 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, SB4 100m breaststroke, and S14 400m freestyle.

She first represented SA in Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby and received National Colours in Wheelchair Rugby.

She started her professional swimming career in 2019.

Some of her personal achievements include: finishing fourth in the S4 50m backstroke at the 2021 Tokyo Games by a margin of 0.5 seconds; winning silver in the SM4 150m Individual Medley and bronze in the S4 50m backstroke at the 2022 Madeira World Championships; and winning
gold in the SM4 150m Individual Medley, gold in the S4 50m backstroke, and silver in the SB3 50m breaststroke at the 2023 Manchester World Swimming Championships.

Swanepoel has been nominated twice for Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability at the SA Sports Awards in 2023 and 2024.

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

Both swimmer Tatjana Smith and judo player Geronay Whitebooi are finalists for the main award of the programme, the Athlete of the Year. The third finalist is Proteas cricketer Laura Wolvaardt.

Smith became Team SA’s most garlanded Olympic athlete when she added a gold and silver to the gold and silver she won at Tokyo 2020.

She retired after Paris with four Olympic medals in two Games’.

Whitebooi was also attending her second successive Olympics.

All three Para-athletes in the Brand South Africa Para Sport Star category are currently with Team SA in Paris ahead of the Games starting on Wednesday – Kat Swanepoel, Kgothatso Montjane and Simoné Kruger.

Elsewhere, the SA women’s hockey team who also attended the Paris 2024 Games, are one of three finalists for Team of the Year.

Smith and Montjane are also finalists in the Woman of the Year category and Montjane, the celebrated wheelchair tennis player, also finds her name among the three finalists in the Global Woman in Sport category.

Team SA gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz is one of three finalists in the Style Star category.

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

For these Games there are a record number of countries competing (168), a record number of para-athletes (4 400), a record number of female athletes (1 983) and a record number of events for females (235).

The chef de mission for Team SA, Patience Shikwambana, says that the figures show the necessary growth that females have made within the Paralympic movement. 

“If you consider that at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics there were 988 female athletes and that number has doubled to what it is in 2024 it highlights the way the Games have moved forward. We as Team SA are excited to play a significant role in the success of the Games and are excited to start our campaign on Wednesday. Everything is in place for a successful Games.

At the last Paralympics in Tokyo, Team SA achieved seven medals, four of which were gold. Two of those gold medals came from Ntando Mahlangu who is not in Paris this time around, while a third gold medallist from Tokyo, Anrune Weyers, has retired. However, the fourth gold medallist, Pieter du Preez, is back in the hand-cycling event.

Flag-bearers for Team SA at Wednesday’s opening ceremony are para-athlete Mpumelelo Mhlongo and para-swimmer Kat Swanepoel. Both were in Tokyo, although they too will find the atmosphere different considering the last Games were held in a restricted Covid-19 environment.

The most experienced members of Team SA are also female.

Equestrian’s Philippa Johnson-Dwyer and wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso “KG” Montjane are attending their sixth and fifth such Games’ respectively.

“We have a strong blend of experienced and youth in our 2024 squad,” said Shikwambana, who added that the athletes were likely to encounter warm conditions throughout their competition.

“It’s still deep in summer here in Paris so hydrating will be of vital importance to our para-athletes,” she said.

“We have representation across nine codes and are excited about getting started.

The financial incentives for medallists are the same as they are for the Paris 2024 Olympic athletes: athletes who win gold will be awarded R400 000, with the coach receiving R100 000. Silver medallists will earn R200 000 and R50 000, while the bronze medal payouts will be R75 000 and R25 000 for the athlete and coach, respectively.

To recognise the unique nature of the Paralympics, guides for visually impaired athletes will also receive the same payouts as the coaches of those athletes that earn a medal.

For Boccia, where Team SA will be competing, the following incentives will apply:

R200 000 per athlete and R100 000 for the coach for a gold medal

R100 000 per athlete and R50 000 for the coach for a silver medal

R40 000 per athlete and R20 000 for the coach for a bronze medal

The Paris 2024 Paralympics will run from 28 August to 8 September.

Full Team SA squad:

ARCHERY

Men: Shaun Anderson (W1)

Management: Barbara Manning

ATHLETICS

Men: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (T44 100m and long jump), Kerwin Noemdo (F46 shot put), Puseletso Mabote (T63 100m and long jump), Collen Mahlalela (T47 400m), Khumo Pitso (T46 high jump), Jaco Smit (T12 100m), Daniel du Plessis (T62 400m), Hermanus Blom (F12 shot put), Erasmus Badenhorst (guide, 1500m), Claus Kempen (guide, marathon) and Paul Daniels (T22 400m)

Women: Simone Kruger (T38 discus), Sheryl James (T37 100m, 200m, 400m), Louzanne Coetzee (T11 1500m and marathon), Liezel Gouws (T37 400m and long jump), Yane van der Merwe (F44 discus) and Tezna Abrahams (T44 long jump and 200m)

Management: Lappies Swanepoel, Jason Sewanyana, Michael Louwrens and Daniel Damon

BOCCIA

Men: Karabo Cassius Morapedi (BC3) and Matobako Vincent Ramochela (BC3 ramp operator)

Women: Elanza Jordaan (BC3) and Sandre Jordaan (BC3 ramp operator)

Management: Reinet Barnard and Marisa Potgieter

CYCLING

Men: Pieter du Preez

Management: Mark Williams (mechanic) and Ilse du Preez

EQUESTRIAN

Women: Philippa Johnson-Dwyer and Christiaan Haazen (groom)

Manager: Ingeborg Sanne

JUDO

Men: Ndyeni Lamani (J1, under 73kg)

Management: Dirk Crafford

PARA-TRIATHLON

Women: Kirsty Weir

Management: Rohan Kennedy

SWIMMING

Men: Nathan Hendricks (S13 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, SB13 100m breaststroke) and Christian Sadie (S7 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m freestyle, SM7 200m individual medley)

Women: Alani Ferreira (S12 400m freestyle, SB12 100m breaststroke, SM12 200m Individual Medley, S12-S13 100m butterfly), Danika Vyncke (SB13 100m breaststroke) and Kat Swanepoel (SM5 200m Individual Medley, S5 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, SB4 100m breaststroke, S14 400m freestyle)

Management: Theo Verster, Chad Peterson and Julayga Cassim

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

Men: Alwande Sikhosana, Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole

Women: Kgothatso Montjane and Mariska Venter

Management: Genevieve Barnes and Patrick Selepe

Gary Lemke is reporting live from Paris for the Team SA website for the duration of the Paris Paralympics 2024

This event marks the first time France has hosted the Summer Paralympics. Many of the Olympic venues, such as Roland Garros and the Stade de France are being repurposed for the games.

The anticipation is palpable, and here’s everything you need to know to get ready.

PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024: WHEN DO THE GAMES BEGIN?

Mark your calendars. The opening ceremony kicks off on 28 August, with the first day of competition following on 29 August, according to The Telegraph.

Events will run daily, with start times similar to those of the Olympics, ensuring a full day of thrilling action.

The closing ceremony will take place on 8 September, bringing the curtain down on what promises to be a spectacular event.

PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024: GETTING YOUR HANDS ON TICKETS

If you’re planning to witness the action in person, there’s still time to grab tickets.

Prices are reasonable, with day-long Discovery Passes available for €24 (R500), allowing access to several sessions throughout the day.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, pricier options are available in the hospitality sections. Tickets can be bought directly from the official Paralympics website.

PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024: OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES

Forget stadium ceremonies. The Paris 2024 Paralympics will dazzle viewers with its unique opening ceremony.

The backdrop of some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks will set the scene.

The Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, and the Trocadéro will serve as the stage for a spectacle like no other.

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director for the ceremonies, shared his excitement.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

“While the Paris Paralympics 2024 Opening Ceremony will be the first of its kind, its monumental and popular concept is, for me, first and foremost a magnificent source of inspiration.”

He promises a “spectacle that will showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values that they embody”, according to the International Paralympic Committee.

Expect something truly special as Paris transforms into a live performance space that will captivate audiences around the globe.

REASONS TO WATCH

The Paris Paralympics 2024 will feature 22 sports, with 549 gold medals up for grabs.

Whether you’re a fan of wheelchair basketball, or para-swimming, there’s something for everyone, according to the Local France.

SPIRIT OF COMPETITION

This year’s Paralympics in Paris promises to be a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the spirit of competition.

Expect something truly special as Paris transforms into a live performance space, captivating audiences around the globe.

WHICH PARALYMPIC ATHLETE ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING IN ACTION?

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MATT RICHARDSON AND HIS UK ROOTS

The move marks a significant new chapter in the 25-year-old’s career as he returns to his roots in the UK. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a recent string of successes.

Richardson, who was born in Maidstone, Kent, before relocating to Western Australia at the age of nine, has made headlines for his impressive performances at the Paris Olympics.

At the Games, he clinched silver medals in both the individual sprint and keirin events, alongside a bronze in the team sprint, according to The Guardian.

MATT RICHARDSON AND THE CYCLING TEAM

His decision to join Great Britain’s cycling team comes after much deliberation and is now officially sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

“I have made the decision to pack up my entire life and move halfway across the world to begin the next chapter in my cycling career,” Richardson declared.

“It is with a sense of excitement and renewal that I announce I have joined the Great British Cycling Team.”

MATT RICHARDSON’S PASSION

Richardson’s move reflects a deep personal commitment to pursue his passion under new guidance, according to BBC.

He will now train under Sir Jason Kenny, one of Britain’s most decorated cyclists. He is known for his unparalleled success on the track.

Richardson’s change of nationality is not just a strategic career move but also a heartfelt return to his birthplace.

MATT RICHARDSON SWITCHING NATIONALITY

It marks a poignant moment in his professional journey. Richardson acknowledged the complexity of the choice.

He recognised the respect and gratitude he holds for Australia and the Australian Cycling Team, according to Sky News.

“Switching nationality was a difficult decision and not one I took lightly,” he said.

“It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future.

A NEW BEGINNING

I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Cycling Team, and it will always be a part of who I am.”

Matt Richardson emphasised that this move is not about leaving behind his past but rather embracing a new beginning.

“This isn’t about leaving something behind, but about embracing a new chapter in my journey and chasing a dream.

A dream that is to race for the country where I was born,” he explained.

IMPRESSIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Matt Richardson’s accomplishments in recent years are nothing short of impressive.

He is a double gold medalist from the 2022 Commonwealth Games and has earned five world championship medals. This included a gold in the 2022 team sprint.

His career trajectory has been on an upward curve, making him a valuable addition to the British team as they look to bolster their competitive edge on the international stage.

THE BRITISH CYCLING TEAM

As he prepares to settle back in the UK, Matt Richardson’s transition is likely to invigorate the British cycling team.

The synergy between his past achievements and the expertise of his new coaches could well set the stage for future triumphs.

With the backing of Sir Jason Kenny and the support of a familiar home environment, Richardson’s journey promises to be an exciting one.

ADAPTING TO THE NEW ROLE

In the coming months, cycling enthusiasts and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Richardson adapts to his new role.

His story is a testament to the dynamic nature of international sport and the personal sacrifices athletes make in pursuit of their dreams.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ATHLETES SWITCHING TEAMS OR NATIONALITIES MID-CAREER?

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Walaza, still only 18, was part of the relay team which won the silver medal at the recently concluded Games in France.

Bayanda Walaza was joined in the line-up by Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi and Bradley Nkoana as they combined to set a new South African 4x100m relay record of 37.75 seconds at the Stade de France.

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

Walaza is a Grade 12 pupil at Curro Hazeldean. He sacrificed his preliminary exam preparations in order to represent his country in Paris.

We bet we know who cleans up at sports day at Curro Hazeldean!

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, was also present to take part in the celebrations.

At one point Gwarube placed a silver medal around of neck of Walaza’s mother.

As reported by The South African website, Bayanda Walaza pocketed R75 000 for helping South Africa win the silver in the men’s 4x100m relay in Paris.

That amount comes before another ‘extra’ as promised by new Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

Enjoy the Paris Olympic Games 2024 experience at your favourite ATKV Resort!

Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, a 36-year-old Sydney university lecturer, has been ridiculed by some and cheered by others for her unique performance in Paris, where she won none of her three face-offs against other B-Girls.

Gunn thanked her supporters

Gunn thanked her supporters and said she was glad to bring them some joy, in a video from a Brussels street posted on her Instagram account on Thursday.

“I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating,” she said.

“Well, I went out there and I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all. Truly.”

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

Gunn’s kangaroo-mimicking moves and Australia-logoed tracksuit have been parodied worldwide, including by late-night US television host Jimmy Fallon.

She has faced much stronger criticism and ridicule online.

The Australian Olympic Committee has decried a “misleading and bullying” online petition that described Gunn’s performance as “unethical” and questioned how she was chosen for Paris.

“In regards to the allegations and misinformation floating around, I’d like to ask everyone to please refer to the recent statement made by the AOC,” Gunn said in her video.

The poll on Change.org, which garnered tens of thousands of signatures demanding a public apology from the dancer, was unavailable on the platform on Friday.

Gunn said she planned to remain in Europe for a few weeks for some “pre-planned downtime”.

Breakdancing dropped from Olympic programme

In the meantime, she asked the media to “stop harassing” her family, friends and the breakdancing community.

“Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this so I ask you to please respect their privacy,” she said, promising to answer more questions on her return to Australia.

Gunn’s Olympic moves won support from many people, including her fellow Australian Olympians. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised her this week for “having a go”.

Breaking will not be on the programme for the next Olympics in Los Angeles in four years.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Do you know how many medals South Africa won? Who made headlines for the right – and wrong – reasons?

This quiz is open to ALL ages.

BONUS | Can you solve this maths equation that has the internet baffled?

Meanwhile, we’re giving you the chance to submit your own questions for future quizzes.

Email your questions to info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

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They include representatives from two more sports: para judo and para triathlon.

In total, Team SA now has para competitors across seven sports, namely: athletics, cycling, judo, equestrian, triathlon, swimming, and wheelchair tennis.

For the latest Paris Paralympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

The financial incentives for medallists are the same as they are for the Paris Olympics 2024athletes.

Athletes who win gold will be awarded R400 000, with the coach receiving R100 000.

Silver medallists will earn R200 000 and R50 000, while the bronze medal payouts will be R75 000 and R25 000 for the athlete and coach, respectively.

To recognise the unique nature of the Paralympics, guides for visually impaired athletes will also receive the same payouts as the coaches of those athletes that earn a medal.

For Boccia, where Team SA will be competing, the following incentives will apply:

R200 000 per athlete and R100 000 for the coach for a gold medal

R100 000 per athlete and R50 000 for the coach for a silver medal

R40 000 per athlete and R20 000 for the coach for a bronze medal

South Africa finished 34th in Tokyo 2021

In total there will be 549 events in 22 different sports at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

At the most recent Paralympics in Tokyo in 2021, Team South Africa won four golds, one silver and two bronze medals.

That was good enough for 34th place in the medal table.

China dominated proceedings, winning 96 golds, 60 silvers and 51 bronzes for 207 medals overall.

Final Team SA squad for Paris Paralympics

ARCHERY

Men: Shaun Anderson (W1)

Management: Barbara Manning

ATHLETICS

Men: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (T44 100m and long jump), Kerwin Noemdo (F46 shot put), Puseletso Mabote (T63 100m and long jump), Collen Mahlalela (T47 400m), Khumo Pitso (T46 high jump), Jaco Smit (T12 100m), Daniel du Plessis (T62 400m), Hermanus Blom (F12 shot put), Erasmus Badenhorst (guide, 1500m), Claus Kempen (guide, marathon) and Paul Daniels (T22 400m)

Women: Simone Kruger (T38 discus), Sheryl James (T37 100m, 200m, 400m), Louzanne Coetzee (T11 1500m and marathon), Liezel Gouws (T37 200m and long jump) and Yane van der Merwe (F44 discus)

Management: Lappies Swanepoel, Jason Sewanyana, Michael Louwrens and Daniel Damon

BOCCIA

Men: Karabo Cassius Morapedi (BC3) and Matobako Vincent Ramochela (BC3 ramp operator)

Women: Elanza Jordaan (BC3) and Sandre Jordaan (BC3 ramp operator)

Management: Reinet Barnard and Marisa Potgieter

CYCLING

Men: Pieter du Preez

Management: Mark Williams (mechanic) and Ilse du Preez

EQUESTRIAN

Women: Philippa Johnson-Dwyer and Christiaan Haazen (groom)

Manager: Ingeborg Sanne

JUDO

Men: Ndyeni Lamani (J1, under 73kg)

Management: Dirk Crafford

PARA-TRIATHLON

Women: Kirsty Weir

Management: Rohan Kennedy

SWIMMING

Men: Nathan Hendricks (S13 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, SB13 100m breaststroke) and Christian Sadie (S7 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m freestyle, SM7 200m individual medley)

Women: Alani Ferreira (S12 400m freestyle, SB12 100m breaststroke, SM12 200m Individual Medley, S12-S13 100m butterfly), Danika Vyncke (SB13 100m breaststroke) and Kat Swanepoel (SM5 200m Individual Medley, S5 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, SB4 100m breaststroke, S14 400m freestyle)

Management: Theo Verster, Chad Peterson and Julayga Cassim

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

Men: Alwande Sikhosana, Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole

Women: Kgothatso Montjane and Mariska Venter

Management: Genevieve Barnes and Patrick Selepe

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Gunn has been mocked and ridiculed for her allegedly lacklustre breakdancing skills, with questions asked how she qualified for the Games, with some of her more ill-tempered critics calling her a national embarrassment.

‘Ozzy Man’, real name Ethan Merrell, is a 38-year-old Australian YouTuber who makes “commentary” videos where he finds random clips from the internet and gives his “commentary”.

The videos are of him giving his “commentary” mostly in a humorous way and with heavy usage of adult jokes and his signature Australian way of talking.

At the time of publishing he has over six million YouTube followers.

NOTE: Video contains swearing

Meanwhile, Australia’s Olympians returned home on Wednesday and mounted a resolute defence of their breakdancing colleague against “awful” critics, comics and keyboard warriors.

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

The athletes, fresh from a national record 53 Olympic medal trawl, were asked about absent colleague b-girl Rachael “Raygun” Gunn.

‘Raygun’ has been ridiculed for her breakdancing skills

After winning no votes from Paris judges, 36-year-old Gunn has been mocked and ridiculed for her allegedly lacklustre breakdancing skills.

Commentators have questioned how Gunn qualified for the Games, with some of her more ill-tempered critics calling her a national embarrassment.

Her kangaroo-imitating moves and slightly passe green Australian Olympic track suit have been parodied by late-night US television host Jimmy Fallon.

In one of the more lighthearted jibes about Gunn’s performance, New Zealand comedian Jemaine Clement joked: “I’ve been to Australia. That was their best dancer.”

But double gold-winning canoeist Jess Fox was among those to rush to Gunn’s defence on Wednesday.

“It is devastating for her,” Fox told local media in Sydney.

“To see the toll… she is human and it is massive what she has been through over the last week. She has definitely been feeling it. There is a human behind all that, and people are so quick to be awful. She doesn’t deserve that,” Fox said.

Praised her effort

Before the Games, Gunn – a university researcher with a doctorate in cultural studies – had appeared at dance events for children, detailing her improbable path to Paris, promoting breaking and encouraging a new generation to pursue Olympic-sized dreams.

Swimmer Zac Stubblety-Cook – who won silver and bronze – at the Games, said criticism targeting Gunn was “disappointing”, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, while cyclist Matthew Glaetzer said no Olympian “should be spoken negatively about”.

Prime Minster Anthony Albanese also praised her effort and commitment.

“That she had a crack and the Olympics is all about participation and having a go, doing your best and representing your country. She did all of that,” Albanese told Nova radio.

“I think some of the criticism that she’s copped – there’s been a bit of a pile on – which I think is really unfair. Good on her for having a go and wearing a trackie while you’re doing it. I mean, how Australian is that?”

Additional reporting via Agence France-Presse

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Maswanganyi, along with Akani Simbine, Bayanda Walaza and Bradley Nkoana, finished second behind Canada in what was a thrilling relay to claim one of six medal won by Team South Africa in France.

As reported by The South African website, Walaza and Nkoana returned to Mzansi earlier in the week.

It’s unclear when Simbine shall return.

Shaun Maswanganyi in the money

As confirmed by The South African website, Maswanganyi, along with his fellow 4x100m relay team-mates, each pocketed R75 000 for their efforts.

That amount is expected to be boosted by a ‘big surprise’ that awaits South Africa’s medal winners at the Paris Olympics 2024, promised by new Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

will not be present to welcome Maswanganyi home as per a South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) media release.

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

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The athletes, fresh from a national record 53 Olympic medal trawl, were asked about absent colleague b-girl Rachael “Raygun” Gunn.

‘Raygun’ has been ridiculed for her breakdancing skills

After winning no votes from Paris judges, 36-year-old Gunn has been mocked and ridiculed for her allegedly lacklustre breakdancing skills.

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

Commentators have questioned how Gunn qualified for the Games, with some of her more ill-tempered critics calling her a national embarrassment.

Her kangaroo-imitating moves and slightly passe green Australian Olympic track suit have been parodied by late-night US television host Jimmy Fallon.

In one of the more lighthearted jibes about Gunn’s performance, New Zealand comedian Jemaine Clement joked: “I’ve been to Australia. That was their best dancer.”

But double gold-winning canoeist Jess Fox was among those to rush to Gunn’s defence on Wednesday.

“It is devastating for her,” Fox told local media in Sydney.

“To see the toll… she is human and it is massive what she has been through over the last week. She has definitely been feeling it. There is a human behind all that, and people are so quick to be awful. She doesn’t deserve that,” Fox said.

Praised her effort

Before the Games, Gunn – a university researcher with a doctorate in cultural studies – had appeared at dance events for children, detailing her improbable path to Paris, promoting breaking and encouraging a new generation to pursue Olympic-sized dreams.

Swimmer Zac Stubblety-Cook – who won silver and bronze – at the Games, said criticism targeting Gunn was “disappointing”, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, while cyclist Matthew Glaetzer said no Olympian “should be spoken negatively about”.

Prime Minster Anthony Albanese also praised her effort and commitment.

“That she had a crack and the Olympics is all about participation and having a go, doing your best and representing your country. She did all of that,” Albanese told Nova radio.

“I think some of the criticism that she’s copped – there’s been a bit of a pile on – which I think is really unfair. Good on her for having a go and wearing a trackie while you’re doing it. I mean, how Australian is that?”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Paris 2024 Olympics recap

Akani Simbine finally got his moment

Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi and Akani Simbine deservedly got their hands on silver at the Olympic Games. This after a sensational performance in the 4x100m relay final. Simbine had a bit of work to do in the final leg after an immensely competitive race, but the 30-year-old got it done and finally stopped some much-deserved silverware on the biggest stage. That must taste sweet for a man who’s made the solo 100m final at three consecutive Olympic Games but narrowly missed out on the podium each time. Less than a week ago, he lost out on a medal by one-hundredth of a second in the biggest race in world sprinting. It was the fastest event of its type in history.

Shout-out also to teenagers Nkoana and Walaza. The latter chose to forego exams to compete for his country in Paris. 23-year-old Shaun Maswanganyi also has a massive future in sprinting.

Team SA medal tally

Tatjana Smith became the most decorated Olympian in South African history with her haul of two medals in Paris. She claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 200m event, an exact reversal of her antics in Tokyo. The other Team SA medallists in 2024 are Alan Hatherly who won bronze in the men’s Mountain Bike (MTB) cross-country race; South Africa’s first Olympic cycling medal since 1956, some 68 years ago, and the Rugby Sevens side who claimed bronze by beating Australia. The 4x100m relay side and Jo-Ane van Dyk’s silver in the women’s javelin took Team SA’s total medal tally to SIX. A gold, three silvers and two bronzes.

Paris 2024 stuns the world

Outside of a South African perspective, there were so many stellar performances to cherish in Paris. 21-year-old Letsile Tebogo’s win in the 200m final was the first gold medal in Botswana’s history at the games. It was also the fifth-fastest time in the history of the event, not only at the Olympics but anywhere on the planet. Legendary American gymnast Simone Biles claimed three golds and a silver, taking her overall medal tally at the Olympic Games to 11 (seven gold, two silver, two bronze) across three editions. In the pool, French golden boy Leon Marchand, still only 22 years old, won four golds and a bronze. Like Tebogo, we will see more of him in 2028 and beyond.

Hassan defies logic to claim an unprecedented medal treble

Dutch distance runner Sifan Hassan did the unthinkable by winning bronze over 5000m and 10000m and then entering the marathon on the final day of the games. She won that in an Olympic record time (2:22:55), just for good measure. It was easily one of the greatest marathons in Olympic history with the top three separated by only 15 seconds. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa was only three seconds behind Hassan in a sprint finish to claim silver. Cian Oldknow (32nd) was the best South African performer in a superb time of 2:30:29. Irvette van Zyl finished 37th in 2:31:14 and the legendary Gerda Steyn finished 45th with a time of 2:32:51.

What was your highlight of the Olympics?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. Meanwhile, you can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.

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Families with children, elderly people and young supporters waved Botswana’s sky blue and black national flag as the Olympic team landed back in the capital Gaborone.

Half-day holiday

Hundreds of supporters had gathered at the small airport, benefiting from an impromptu half-day holiday declared by President Mokgweetsi Masisi to celebrate Tebogo’s success.

Before greeting the athletes, Masisi danced on the tarmac as an aid held an umbrella to shelter him from the sun.

Letsile Tebogo, 21, became the first African to win the men’s 200m, in an African record time of 19.46, when he powered past Americans Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles in Paris on August 8.

His gold as well as silver in the men’s 4x400m relay, boosted the country’s total Olympic medal tally to four.

Outside the airport, traditional dancers wearing animal skins and beads kicked off a welcoming ceremony that was to later continue at the national stadium.

Masisi had already granted the country of 2.3 million people half a day off to party on August 9.

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

Botswana helped Africa win 39 medals in Paris

Tebogo is only the second African athlete to win an Olympic medal in the men’s 200m, after Namibian Frankie Fredericks took silver in Atlanta in 1996.

Botswana won their first Olympic medal at the 2012 London Games when Nijel Amos took silver in the 800m.

Its men’s 4x400m relay team took bronze at Tokyo 2020.

Botswana’s success at the Paris Olympics helped to raise Africa’s medal haul to 39, two more than at the Tokyo Games, with Kenya scooping 11 in the French capital.

Half of the line-up at the men’s 200m where Tebogo excelled were athletes from Africa, with the continent rising as a contender in shorter events beyond its dominance at longer distances.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

LA 2028 adds six new disciplines to the Olympics

According to Complex Sports on Instagram, six new (and old) sports are being introduced into the programme at LA 2028. Flag Football and Squash make their debuts, while basketball, lacrosse, softball and cricket come back with a bang. Breakdancing won’t feature in 2028, however. Much has been said and written about Aussie breaker Raygun and there are plenty of memes doing the rounds you can find on your own steam.

Simbine and Team SA stormed to silver in Paris

Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi and Akani Simbine deservedly got their hands on silver at the Olympic Games. This after a sensational performance in the 4x100m relay final. Simbine had a bit of work to do in the final leg after an immensely competitive race, but the 30-year-old got it done and finally stopped some much-deserved silverware on the biggest stage. That must taste sweet for a man who’s made the solo 100m final at three consecutive Olympic Games but narrowly missed out on the podium each time. Less than a week ago, he lost out on a medal by one-hundredth of a second in the biggest race in world sprinting. It was the fastest event of its type in history.

Team SA medal tally

Tatjana Smith became the most decorated Olympian in South African history with her haul of two medals in Paris. She claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 200m event, an exact reversal of her antics in Tokyo. The other Team SA medallists in 2024 are Alan Hatherly who won bronze in the men’s Mountain Bike (MTB) cross-country race; South Africa’s first Olympic cycling medal since 1956, some 68 years ago, and the Rugby Sevens side who claimed bronze by beating Australia. The 4x100m relay side and Jo-Ane van Dyk’s silver in the women’s javelin took Team SA’s total medal tally to SIX. A gold, three silvers and two bronzes.

Paris 2024 stuns the world

Outside of a South African perspective, there were so many stellar performances to cherish in Paris. 21-year-old Letsile Tebogo’s win in the 200m final was the first gold medal in Botswana’s history at the games. Legendary American gymnast Simone Biles claimed three golds and a silver, taking her overall medal tally at the Olympic Games to 11 (seven gold, two silver, two bronze) across three editions. In the pool, French golden boy Leon Marchand, still only 22 years old, won four golds and a bronze. Like Tebogo, we will see more of him in 2028 and beyond.

Marathons are the ultimate endurance test

Dutch distance runner Sifan Hassan did the unthinkable by winning bronze over 5000m and 10000m and then entering the marathon on the final day. She won that in an Olympic record (2:22:55), just for good measure. It was easily one of the greatest marathons in Olympic history with the top three separated by only 15 seconds. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa was only three seconds behind Hassan in a sprint finish. Cian Oldknow (32nd) was the best South African performer in a superb time of 2:30:29.

What was your highlight of the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. Meanwhile, you can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.

The games saw plenty of records broken as well.

Records broken at Paris 2024

Katie Ledecky (USA) tied the record of Larisa Latynina for the most gold Olympic medals won by a female athlete (9 gold medals).

Mijaín López (Cuba) is now the sole holder of the record for the most gold medals won for Wrestling events at the Olympics (5 gold medals).

Isabelle Werth (Germany) extended her record for the most wins in a single Olympics event (winning 7 times for Dressage).

Lisa Carrington (New Zealand) tied the record for the most gold medals won in Canoeing events (8 gold medals).

Alex Yee (Great Britain) became the first person to win 4 overall Olympic medals in triathlon events.

Ma Long (China) extended his record for the most gold medals won in Table Tennis events at the Olympics (now 6).

Diana Taurasi (USA) became the first player to win 6 gold medals for Basketball events (male or female) at the Olympics.

Teddy Riner (France) became the athlete with the most gold medals won for Judo events (5 gold medals).

Simone Biles (USA) extended her record as the most awarded American gymnast at the Olympics of all time and Vincent Hancock (USA) extended his record for the most gold medals won in Skeet Shooting Men’s Event at the Olympics after winning his 4th gold medal.

World records tumble

Several world records were also broken at the Olympics, for example Lim Si-hyeon (South Korea) broke the world record in the ranking round of the Women’s Individual Archery event, in the final of the Men’s Pole Vault Athletics event, Armand Duplantis (Sweden) broke his own world record with a height of 6.25 m and Aleksandra Miroslaw (Poland) broke her own world record in the qualification round of the Women’s Speed Sport Climbing event with a time of 6.06.

Every record broken at Paris 2024

All stats and data provided by Wettbasis.com.

ARCHERY

• Kim Woo-jin (South Korea) broke the record for the most olympic medals won in Archery events at the Olympics after winning 3 gold medals  (Individual event, Men’s Team event & Mixed Team event) and bringing his total to 5 gold medals – the previous record holder was Kim Soo-nyung (South Korea) who won 4 gold medals for Archery events between 1988 – 2000

• In the ranking round of the Women’s Individual Archery event, Lim Si-hyeon (South Korea) broke the world record with a score of 694 (the record was previously held by Kang Chae-young (South Korea) with a score of 692)
• In the ranking round of the Women’s Team Archery event, South Korea’s Lim Si-hyeon, Nam Su-hyeon & Jeon Hun-young broke the Olympic record with a score of 2046 (the record was previously held by South Korea’s An San, Jang Min-hee & Kang Chae-young who scored 2032 at the Tokyo Olympics)
  
• In the ranking round of the Mixed Team Archery event, South Korea’s Kim Woo-jin and Lim Si-hyeon broke the Olympic record with a score of 1380 (the record was previously held by South Korea’s An San & Kim Je-deok who scored 1368 at the Tokyo Olympics)

ATHLETICS

• Ryan Crouser (USA) became the first athlete to win three gold medals for the Men’s Shot Put event at the Olympics after winning gold 
• Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) won Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold medal when he won the Men’s 200m Athletics event 
• In the final of the Men’s Pole Vault Athletics event, Armand Duplantis (Sweden) broke his own world record with a height of 6.25 m (Duplantis’ previous record was 6.24m)
• In the final of the Men’s 10,000m Athletics event, Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) broke the Olympic record with a time of 26:43.14 (the record was previously held by Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopia) with a time of 27:01.17)
• In the final of the Men’s 1500m Athletics event, Cole Hocker (USA) broke the Olympic record with a time of 3:27.65 (the record was previously held by Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway) with a time of 3.28.32)
• In the final of the Men’s Discus Throw Athletics event, Roje Stona (Jamaica) broke the Olympic record with a distance of 70m (the record was previously held by Virgilijus Alekna (Lithuania) with a distance of 69.89m)
• In the final of the Men’s Javelin Throw Athletics event, Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) broke the Olympic record with a distance of 92.97m (the record was previously held by Andreas Thorkildsen (Norway) with a distance of 90.67m)
• In the final of the Men’s Marathon Athletics event, Tamirat Tola (Ethiopia) broke the Olympic record with a time of 2:06.26 (the Olympic record was previously held by Samuel Wanjiru (Kenya) with a time of 2:06.32)
• In the final of the Men’s 4x400m relay Athletics event, the USA team (Christopher Bailey, Rai Benjamin, Bryce Deadmon & Vernon Norwood) broke the Olympic record with a time of 2:54.43 (the Olympic record was previously also held by the USA team with a time of 2:55.39)

Women

• Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) became the first athlete (male or female) to win three gold medals in the 1500 metres event at the Olympics
• Nafissatou Thiam (Belgium) became the first athlete to win three gold medals for the Women’s Heptathlon event at the Olympics after winning gold 
• Thea LaFond (Dominica) won Dominica’s first-ever Olympic medal when she won the gold medal for Women’s Triple Jump Athletics event
• Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia) won Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal when she won the gold medal for Women’s 100m Athletics event
• In the final of the Women’s 400m hurdles Athletics event, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) broke her own world record with a time of 50.37 (her previous world record was 50.65)
• In the final of the Women’s 3000m steeplechase Athletics event, Winfred Yavi (Bahrain) broke the Olympic record with a time of 8:52.76 (the record was previously held by Gulnara Galkina (Russia) with a time of 8:58.81)
• In the final of the Women’s 400m Athletics event, Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic) broke the Olympic record with a time of 48.17 (the Olympic record was previously held by Maira-José Pérec (France) with a time of 48.25)
• In the final of the Women’s 1500m Athletics event, Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) broke her own Olympic record with a time of 3:51.29 (Kipyegon’s previous Olympic record was 3:53.11) 
• In the final of the Women’s marathon event, Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) broke the Olympic record with a time of 2:22:55 (the Olympic record was previously held by Tiki Gelana (Ethiopia) with a time of 2:23:07)
• In the final of the Mixed 4x400m relay Athletics event, the US team (Kaylyn Brown, Bryce Deadmon, Shamier Little, Vernon Norwood) broke the world record with a time of 3:07.41 (the record was previously also held by the USA team with a time of 3:08.80)

BADMINTON

• Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) tied the record of Lin Dan (China) for the most gold medals won in the Individual Badminton event (2), and he also joined only 6 other badminton players that have won 3 or more Olympic medals for badminton

BASKETBALL

• Kevin Durant (USA) broke his tie with Carmelo Anthony and he became the sole holder of the record for the most gold medals won for Men’s Basketball events at the Olympics  – Paris was Durant’s 4th gold medal, which also made him the first player to win 4 gold medals for Men’s Basketball
• Diana Taurasi (USA) broke her tie with Sue Bird and she became the sole holder of the record for the most gold medals won for Women’s Basketball Events at the Olympics – Paris was Taurasi’s 6th medal, which also made her the first player to win 6 gold medals for Basketball events (male or female) at the Olympics 

BOXING

• Daniel Varela de Pina (Cape Verde) won Cape Verde’s first-ever Olympic medal when he won the bronze medal in Men’s 51kg Boxing event 
• Cindy Ngamba (IOC) won IOC Refugees Team’s first-ever Olympic medal when she won the bronze medal in Women’s Middleweight event

CANOEING

• Lisa Carrington (New Zealand) tied the record of Birgit Fischer for the most gold medals won in Canoeing events (8 gold medals) at the Olympics after winning gold in K-1 500 metres, K-2 500 metres, K-4 500 metres; Carrington also became only the second woman to ever win the K-1, K-2 and K-4 gold medals in one year, joining Danuta Kozák who did so in 2016 in Rio

CYCLING

• The Australian team (Oliver Bleddyn, Conor Leahy, Kelland O’Brien, Sam Welsford) broke the world record in the first round of the Men’s Team Pursuit Track Cycling event with a time of 3:40.730 (the record was previously held by Italy with a time of 3:42.032)
• The Dutch team (Jeffrey Hoogland, Harrie Lavreysen & Roy van den Berg) broke their own world record in the Men’s Team Sprint Track Cycling event multiple times during the 2024 Olympics, setting the highest score with a time of 40.949 in the final (prior to the 2024 Olympics, their best time was 41.225)
• Great Britain (Emma Finucane, Sophie Capewell & Katy Marchant) broke the world record in the Women’s Team Sprint Track Cycling event multiple times during the 2024 Olympics, setting highest score with a time of 45.186 in the final (the record was previously held by China with a time of 45.487)

EQUESTRIAN 

• Isabelle Werth (Germany) is now in a tie with Katie Ledecky (USA) and Emma McKeon (Australia) for the 2nd most Olympic medals won by a female athlete (14 medals), second only to the gymnast Larisa Latynina (18 medals) after winning the gold for Team Dressage event and silver for Individual dressage event ; Werth also extended her record for the most medals won by an individual for the Equestrian events (14) and she also extended her record for the most wins in a single Olympics event (winning 7 times for Dressage)

GYMNASTICS

• Simone Biles (USA) now holds the record for the longest gaps between gold medals won in the Individual all-around and Vault Gymnastics events (8 years) and Biles also tied the record for the most gold medals won for Women’s Vault (2) and most medals won for Team All-around event (3). Biles also became the first American athlete to win two gold medals for Individual all-around and Vault, the first American athlete to win 3 medals for gymnastics team events and she extended her record as the most awarded American gymnast at the Olympics of all time. Additionally, Biles is now in 2nd place for the total amount of medals won in Women’s Gymnastics events (11 medals), second only to Larisa Latynina, who won 18 medals

JUDO

• Teddy Riner (France) broke his tie with Ryoko Tani (5 medals) and he became the athlete with the most Judo medals won at the Olympics (7 medals) and also he became the athlete with the most gold medals won for Judo events (5 gold medals); Riner also became the first man to win 3 gold medals in the Judo 100+ kg event

SHOOTING 

• Vincent Hancock (USA) extended his record for the most gold medals won in Skeet Shooting Men’s Event at the Olympics after winning his 4th gold medal  (Hancock remains to be only man to win the gold medal in the event on multiple occasions) 
• Sheng Lihao (China) broke the Olympic record in the final of the men’s 10m Air Rifle event with a score of 252.2 (the previous record holder was USA’s William Shaner with a score of 251.6)
• Nathan Hales (Great Britain) broke the Olympic record in the final of the Men’s Trap event with a score of 48 (the record was previously shared by the Czech Republic’s Jiri Lipták & David Kostelecký with a score of 43)

More from shooting at Paris 2024

• Adriana Ruano (Guatemala) won Guatemala’s first-ever gold medal when she won Women’s Trap event 
• Oh Ye-jin (South Korea) broke the Olympic record in the final of the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event with a score of 243.2 (the previous record holder was Russia’s Vitalina Batsarashkina with a score of 240.3)
• Ban Hyo-jin (South Korea) broke the Olympic record in the qualification round of the Women’s 10m Air Rifle event with a score of 634.5 (the record was previously held by Norway’s Jeanette Hegg Duestad with a score of 632.9)
• Adriana Ruano Oliva (Guatemala) broke the Olympic record in the final of the Women’s Trap event with a score of 45 (the record was previously held by Slovakia’s Zuzana Rehák-Stefeceková with a score of 43)
• Chiara Leone (Switzerland) broke the Olympic record in the final of the Women’s 50m Rifle Three Positions event with a score of 464.4 (the record was previously held by Switzerland’s Nina Christen with a score of 463.9)
• The Italian team (Diana Bacosi & Gabriele Rossetti) set the world record in the qualification round of the Mixed Skeet Team event with a score of 149

SPORT CLIMBING at Paris 2024

• Sam Watson (USA) broke his own world record in the final of the Men’s Speed Sport Climbing event  with a time of 4.74 (Watson’s previous world record from April of this year was 4.79)
• Aleksandra Miroslaw (Poland) broke her own world record in the qualification round of the Women’s Speed Sport Climbing event  with a time of 6.06 (Miroslaw’s previous world record was a time of 6.24 from 2023)

SWIMMING

• Katie Ledecky (USA) tied the record of Larisa Latynina for the most gold Olympic medals won by a female athlete (9 gold medals) after she won gold medals for 800m and 1500m freestyle events  – by doing so, she also joined an elite group of 7 athletes (male or female) who have won 9 or more gold medals
• Katie Ledecky (USA) also extended her record for the most consecutive gold medals won in the 800m freestyle swimming event at the Olympics – Paris was her 4th gold medal in a row
• Katie Ledecky (USA) and Emma McKeon (Australia) are now jointly holding the record for the second most overall medals won at the summer Olympics (14 medals) for a female athlete (in a tie with the Equestrian champion Isabelle Werth), second only to the gymnast Larisa Latynina (18 medals won); Ledecky and McKeon are also tied for the most Olympic medals won by a female swimmer (14)

More Olympic swimming records at Paris 2024

• Gretchen Walsh (USA) broke the Olympic record in the semifinal of the Women’s 100m Butterfly event with a time of 55.38 (the record was previously held by Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom with a time of 55.48)
• The Australian team broke the Olympic record in the Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay event (Harris, Jack, O’Callaghan, McKeon) with a time of 3:28.92 (record previously also held by Australia with a time of 3:29.69) and also in the Women’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay event (O’Callaghan, Pallister, Throssell, Titmus) with a time of 7:38.08 (record previously held by China with a time of 7:40.33)
• Mollie O’Callaghan (Australia) broke the Olympic record in the final of the Women’s 200m Freestyle event with a time of 1:53.27 (the record was previously held by Australia’s Ariarne Titmus with a time of 1:53.50)
• Kaylee McKeown (Australia) broke her own Olympic record in the final of the Women’ 100m Backstroke event with a time of 57.33 (her previous best was 57.47) and also the Olympic record in the final of the Women’s 200m Backstroke event with a time of 2:03.73 (breaking the Olympic record of USA’s Missy Franklin with a time of 2:04.06)

Ledecky again

• Katie Ledecky (USA) broke her own Olympic record in the final of the Women’s 1500m Freestyle event with a time of 15:30.02 (her previous record was 15:35.35)
• Summer McIntosh (Canada) broke the Olympic record in the final of the Women’s 200m Butterfly event with a time of 2:03.03 (the Olympic record was previously held by China’s Zhang Yufei with a time of 2:03.86) and also the Olympic record in the final of Women’s 200m Individual Medley event with a time of 2:06.56 (breaking the Olympic record of Hungary’s Katinka Hosszú with a time of 2:06.58)
• Sarah Sjostrom (Sweden) broke the Olympic record in the semifinal of the Women’s 50m Freestyle event with a time of 23.66 (the record was previously held by Australia’s Emma McKeon with a time of 23.81)
• The USA team (Torri Huske, Lilly King, Regan Smith & Gretchen Walsh) broke the world record in the final of the Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay with a time of 3:49.63 (the record was previously also held by the US team with a time of 3:50.40)

Men’s records in the pool

• USA’s Caeleb Dressel also joined the elite 9 gold medals group after winning 2 gold medals for 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m mixed events and bringing his gold medals total to 9
• Pan Zhanle (China) broke his own world record in the final of the Men’s 100m Freestyle event with a time of 46.40 (his previous best was 46.80)
• Bobby Finke (USA) broke the world record in the final of the Men’s 1500m Freestyle event with a time of 14:30.67 (the previous record holder was Sun Yang (China) with a time of 14:31.02)
• The USA team (Nic Fink, Torri Huske, Ryan Murphy & Gretchen Walsh) broke the world record in the final of the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay with a time of 3:37.43 (the record was previously held by Great Britain with a time of 3:37.58)
• Léon Marchand (France) broke the Olympic records in the finals of Men’s 400m Individual Medley (with a time of 4:02.95, breaking the Olympic record of USA’s Michael Phelps who had a time of 4:03.84), Men’s 200m Butterfly (1:51.21, breaking the record of Hungary’s Kristóf Milák who had a time of 1:51.25), Men’s 200m Breaststroke (2:05.85, breaking the Olympic record of Australia’s Zac Stubblety-Cook who had a time of 2:06.38) and Men’s 200m Individual Medley (1:54.06, breaking the Olympic record of USA’s Michael Phelps who had a time of 1:54.23)
• Daniel Wiffen (Ireland) broke the Olympic record in the final of the Men’s 800m Freestyle event with a time of 7:38.19 (the Olympic record was previously held by Ukraine’s Mykhailo Romanchuk with a time of 7:41.28)

TABLE TENNIS at Paris 2024

• Ma Long (China) extended his record for the most gold medals won in Table Tennis events at the Olympics (now 6) after winning Men’s Team Table Tennis event , and he also broke his tie with Wang Nan for the most overall medals won for Table Tennis events (Wang Nan won 5, Ma Long 6) 

TRIATHLON at Paris 2024

• Alex Yee (Great Britain) tied the record of Alistair Brownlee (Great Britain) for the most gold medals won in Triathlon events at the Olympics (2 gold medals) and he also became the first person to win 4 overall Olympic medals in triathlon events – Yee won the Individual Triathlon gold medal and also the Mixed Relay event at Paris 2024.

WEIGHT LIFTING at Paris 2024

• Lasha Talakhadze (Georgia) is now one of only 6 athletes who have won 3 gold medals at the Olympics for Weightlifting events after winning a gold medal  for the +102 kg Weightlifting event

WRESTLING at Paris 2024

• Mijaín López (Cuba) broke his tie with Kaori Icho and he is now the sole holder of the record for the most gold medals won for Wrestling events at the Olympics (5 gold medals); López also became the athlete with the most consecutive gold medals won in a single Olympics event for individual events – López has won Men’s Greco-Roman 130 kg Wrestling event for the last 5 Olympics in a row

What was your favourite event at Paris 2024?

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Retirement is always a deeply personal decision for any athlete, and no one could say that Smith has not achieved greatness.

She steps off the podium as the greatest Olympian produced by South Africa with two gold medals and two silvers.

‘Proud of you’

“Only a breath and a heartbeat stood between her and all four of her medals being gold,” said McKenzie.

“We are so proud of you, and I hope to meet you soon to shake your hand as your biggest fan.”

The Minister added that it would be wonderful if Smith would use her relatively young retirement as an opportunity to give back and encourage the next generation of young swimmers, especially girls, to whom she is justifiably a role model and idol.

“Enjoy your much-deserved retirement, Tatjana.

“This country shall never forget your excellence, and we need to tap into your experience and winning attitude,” concluded Gayton McKenzie.

South Africa won six medals in France

Team South Africa left the Paris Olympics 2024 with one gold medal, three silvers and two bronzes.

Tatjana Smith was the ‘big’ winner for South Africa, collecting gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke and silver in the women’s 200m breaststroke.

Those medals were worth a total of R600 000 to Smith thanks to Sascoc’s financial incentives promised ahead of the Games to the country’s 138 selected athletes.

South Africa finished in a tie for 44th place in the final medal table alongside Jamaica and Thailand.

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Daley, who won five Olympic medals during his decorated career, revealed the decision to call time on the sport during an interview with British Vogue.

The 30-year-old bowed out after winning silver in the Olympic men’s synchronised 10m platform in France, having clinched the gold medal in the same event at the Tokyo Games three years ago.

“I have to make the decision at some point, and it feels like the right time. It’s the right time to call it a day,” Daley said.

Tom Daley competed in Beijing aged 14

Daley emerged as the star of British diving after first competing at the Olympics in the 2008 Beijing Games aged just 14.

He won bronze at the 2012 Olympics in London in the 10m platform, as well as bronze in the men’s synchronised 10m platform in Rio 2016.

Daley had effectively retired after his gold medal success in Tokyo, before deciding to return for a fifth Olympics in Paris in order to compete in front of his two children.

He decided ahead of the event that he would stop diving competitively once he stepped out of the pool in Paris.

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“It feels very, very surreal. I felt so incredibly nervous going into this, knowing it was my last Olympics,” he told Vogue.

“There was a lot of pressure and expectations. I was eager for it to be done.

“But when I walked out, and saw my husband (Lance) and kids (Robbie and Phoenix) and my friends and family in the audience, I was like, you know what? This is exactly why I did this.

“It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive.”

‘Bucket list’

Daley’s gold in Tokyo came alongside Matty Lee and he was back to defend his title in Paris after being convinced by his six-year-old son Robbie to return to the sport.

Daley and partner Noah Williams claimed silver in the competition, finishing behind China who completed a historic sweep of all eight Olympic diving gold medals.

Looking forward to spending more time with his family away from the Olympic spotlight, Daley has no fears he will regret retiring.

“I want to be with my family. I’m really excited to be able to spend some time with them and just be able to feel a bit normal for a couple of days,” said Daley, who fulfilled a childhood dream by becoming the first diver to be a British flag bearer in the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris.

“It’s always hard when you say goodbye to your sport. Lots of things to process, but I think it’s the right time.

“This year felt like such a bonus and I got to compete in front of my family, my kids. I got to be flag bearer. So yeah, bucket list ticked off on every occasion.”

As well as his Olympic medals, Daley won eight world championship medals, including four golds.

He also took eight European championship medals, including five golds, and won four Commonwealth Games gold medals.

When he wasn’t in the pool at the Olympics, Daley was spotted enjoying the Games from the stands while knitting.

With more time on his hands now, Daley plans to focus to his knitting business.

“I’ll expand my ‘Made With Love’ business to get more people into knitting. So watch this space,” he said.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Nigeria, which boasts the sixth largest population in the world, sent 88 athletes to the Games in France.

That number comprised 25 men and 63 women who competed in 12 sports – without any success.

Nigeria first participated in the Olympics Games in Helsinki 1952 and has sent athletes to compete in every summer Olympics since then, except for the boycotted 1976 Games in Montreal. 

Nigerian athletes have won a total of 27 medals, mostly in athletics (14) and boxing (6).

Those 27 total medals comprise three golds, 11 silvers and 13 bronzes.

Nigeria has also won medals in football, weightlifting, wrestling and taekwondo.

Nigeria’s best performance at an Olympics came in 1996 in Atlanta when Chioma Ajunwa won the women’s long jump and the country’s soccer team triumphed in the men’s football.

Nigeria third gold medal came in 2000 in Sydney following the IOC’s decision to strip the United States’ 4x400m relay team of their medals after Antonio Pettigrew confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs.

Twelve African countries won medals at the Paris Olympics 2024

Meanwhile, the United States finished top of the medal table at the Paris Olympics 2024 which concluded on Sunday – but it was close!

They topped the table by winning 40 gold medals, the final of which came in the very last event of the Games – the women’s basketball.

That medal helped tie China.

The USA only finished above China by virtue of winning more silver medals than the Asian giants, scooping 44 to China’s 27.

The American team also won the most total medals with 126 to China’s 91, after winning 42 bronze medals compared to China’s 24.

Japan were third with 20 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze for a total of 45, while Australia were in fourth place with 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze for a total of 53.

Hosts France finished in fifth place with 16 gold, 26 silver, and 22 bronze, totalling 64.

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In total, 91 countries won at least one bronze medal.

Only 12 African teams made it to the medals table.

Kenya led the lot after garnering four gold, two silver and five bronze for a total of 11 to finish in 17th place.

Other African countries which made the medals table include Algeria who were placed joint 39th with two gold and one bronze for a total of three.

The others are South Africa in joint 44th with a total six medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), and Ethiopia in 47th with a total of four (1 gold, 3 silver).

Egypt and Tunisia were joint 52nd with a total of three medals each, comprising one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

Botswana and Uganda were also on joint 55th with two medals each, made up of one gold and one silver medal.

Morocco was placed 60th with one gold and one bronze for a total two, while Côte d’Ivoire were in 84th place alongside Cape Verde and Zambia with one bronze each.

The next edition of the Olympics Games is scheduled for 2028 in Los Angeles.

AFRICA MEDAL TABLE FROM PARIS OLYMPICS 2024

More than 11 000 athletes across 32 sporting codes made up the 329 events at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris. And we want to dig a little deeper behind the medal tally. We want to find which of the 206 competing nations on the final 2024 Olympic medal list achieved the most with the least number of athletes. Therefore, which nation has the highest concentration of medal-winning athletes for the number that qualified. And where South Africa sits amongst it all …

FINAL 2024 OLYMPIC MEDAL LIST

Below is a list of the final 2024 Olympic medal list but with the medals divided by the number of athletes each nation sent to the games, according to Today.com:

FAR EAST AND AFRICA ON THE RISE

When you look at the final 2024 Olympic medal list through the lens of the number of athletes, the complexion does begin to look different. Top of the pile ahead of the United States is in fact China. The former hosts sent over a big contingent but also great delivered results. The Republic of Korea will be bringing home a healthy tally of medals for a team that’s a third the size of larger nations.

Even the British outdid the Americans when it comes to the number of athletes per medal. Great Britain’s contingent of 327 athletes was made up of more women than men – 174 to 153. On the African continent, Kenya and Ethiopia performed brilliantly well in the distance running events, bringing home a combined 16 medals for just over 100 athletes. The unfancied nation of Uzbekistan had great success in fighting sports like wrestling and boxing.

SOUTH AFRICA’S PERFORMANCE

Meanwhile, ranked well out of the top final Olympic medal list, South Africa won only one medal per 24.83 athletes it sent to Paris. Granted, we did compete in team events like rugby and hockey, which skews the ratio. However, many poorer nations – including three on the African continent – achieved a lot more than we were able to. Six medals may be an improvement over the three we earned back in Japan 2020. But it pales in comparison to our Rio 2016 return of 10 medals. Under Gayton McKenzie’s leadership we must identify the events we can excel in and begin to funnel money and resources into these for future success.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO IMPROVE OUR OLYMPIC ATHLETES?

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JORDAN CHILES MEDAL DRAMA

Officials initially awarded the 23-year-old gymnast the bronze in the floor exercise final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. They have since taken it away after the Romanian team appealed.

The reversal has sparked outrage, according to Page Six.

Fellow gymnasts Simone Biles and Suni Lee publicly showing their support for Chiles.

JORDAN CHILES POINTS

The drama unfolded last Monday during the gymnastics floor exercise final.

Chiles initially scored 13.666, but her coaches challenged the difficulty score.

The challenge was successful, adding 0.1 to her score, which bumped her up to third place.

This placed her behind gold medallist Rebeca Andrade and silver medallist Biles. This made history with the first all-Black Olympics gymnastics podium.

THE ROMANIAN TEAM

However, the celebrations ended quickly, according to E News.

The Romanian team, backing Ana Bărbosu, who had fallen to fourth place, filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

They claimed that the US team’s score inquiry was submitted after the one-minute deadline.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) sided with the Romanians. They then reallocated the bronze medal to Bărbosu, aged 18.

SIMONE BILES SENDS LOVE TO JORDAN CHILES

Simone Biles, 27, who shared the historic podium with Chiles, expressed her frustration on social media.

Biles posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram Story, sharing a photo of her hugging Chiles.

“Sending you so much love, Jordan.

Keep your chin up, Olympic champ! We love you,” Biles wrote, showing that she stands firmly by her teammate despite the setback.

SUNI LEE SENDS SUPPORT TO JORDAN CHILES

Suni Lee, another member of the US gymnastics team and a close friend of Jordan Chiles, also took to social media to voice her outrage.

“All this talk about the athlete, what about the judges?? Completely unacceptable.

“This is awful, and I’m gutted for Jordan,” wrote Lee, 21, on her Instagram Story.

AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION

Many fans who believe that Jordan Chiles was unfairly treated in the whole process echoed Lee’s words.

Gymnast Jade Carey also weighed in on the controversy, according to People

She stated that officials shouldn’t punish Chiles “for someone else’s mistake.”

LEBRON JAMES SENDS LOVE TO JORDAN

Carey added that Jordan Chiles would “forever be an Olympic champion” and that she has “so much to be proud of.”

Even outside the gymnastics world, support poured in for Chiles. LeBron James, fresh off winning his third gold medal in men’s basketball at the Paris Olympics, showed his solidarity by commenting on Team USA’s tweet about Chiles.

“♾️!!!!!! ❤️🇺🇸,” the Los Angeles Lakers star posted on X. They sent a strong message of unity and support.

JORDAN TAKES A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

In the wake of the decision, Jordan Chiles announced on Instagram that she was taking a break from social media to focus on her mental health.

“I’m taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health thank you,” she wrote.

The turn of events clearly devastated her.

INITIAL SCORING

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has announced its intention to appeal the decision, insisting that Chiles rightfully earned the bronze medal.

In a statement, they cited critical errors in both the initial scoring by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the subsequent CAS appeal process.

THE BROZE MEDAL

The USOPC stated, “We firmly believe that Jordan rightfully earned the bronze medal, and both the FIG made critical errors in the initial scoring and the CAS in the appeal process, which need to be addressed.”

The committee remains committed to supporting Chiles and ensuring she receives the recognition she deserves.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE IOC’S DECISION TO REALLOCATE JORDAN CHILES’ BRONZE MEDAL?

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They topped the table by winning 40 gold medals, the final of which came in the very last event of the Games – the women’s basketball.

That medal helped tie China.

The USA only finished above China by virtue of winning more silver medals than the Asian giants, scooping 44 to China’s 27.

The American team also won the most total medals with 126 to China’s 91, after winning 42 bronze medals compared to China’s 24.

Japan were third with 20 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze for a total of 45, while Australia were in fourth place with 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze for a total of 53.

Hosts France finished in fifth place with 16 gold, 26 silver, and 22 bronze, totalling 64.

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

In total, 91 countries won at least one bronze medal.

Only 12 African teams made it to the medals table.

Kenya led the lot after garnering four gold, two silver and five bronze for a total of 11 to finish in 17th place.

Other African countries which made the medals table include Algeria who were placed joint 39th with two gold and one bronze for a total of three.

The others are South Africa in joint 44th with a total six medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), and Ethiopia in 47th with a total of four (1 gold, 3 silver).

Egypt and Tunisia were joint 52nd with a total of three medals each, comprising one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

Botswana and Uganda were also on joint 55th with two medals each, made up of one gold and one silver medal.

Morocco was placed 60th with one gold and one bronze for a total two, while Côte d’Ivoire were in 84th place alongside Cape Verde and Zambia with one bronze each.

Incredibly, Nigeria did not however make the medals table at the Paris Games which had 206 countries participating.

Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populated country – and the sixth biggest in the world – sent 88 athletes (25 men, 63 women) who competed in 12 sports, to Paris 2024.

The next edition of the Olympics Games is scheduled for 2028 in Los Angeles.

AFRICA MEDAL TABLE FROM PARIS OLYMPICS 2024

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What is it?

The mind starts to scramble for answers.

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Trying to places names to faces, which is not an easy thing to do when you have thousands of people clearing the Olympic village as the Paris 2024 Games closes it doors.

And then it hits home. They’re South African.

All coaches, all representing other countries on the biggest multi-sport stage of all.

Hockey has found a home for many former international players now in demand everywhere in the world.

The Kiwis have Greg Nicol and Gregg Clark. Last time I saw Clark was at the 2022 Commonwealth Games when he was in charge of India.

There’s Paul Revington with Great Britain, Craig Fulton with India, and more.

Seven SA coaches in men’s hockey in Paris

Someone who is instantly familiar as well is Paddy Upton, a renowned fitness and wellness coach who is making a career of being snapped up by Indian sports.

He’s instantly recognisable in the dugout when the Indian Premier League swings into view every year, and at Paris 2024 he’s another involved with the Indian hockey team.

There were 12 men’s hockey teams at the Olympics and seven of them had South African coaches.

At the last ICC Cricket World Cup, there were eight South African coaches in seven teams other than South Africa.

The trend is also apparent in rugby, at both international and club level.

Upton has always been a deep thinker and he’s made a few conclusions as to why “Saffers” are so sought-after on the international coaching stage.

Significant benefit

“We understand and are really good at navigating diversity, in a time where diversity, equity and inclusion is prized. Most coaching and leadership roles today require the coach to first understand their audience before attempting to lead them. It’s no longer effective to simply impose your culture, way, worldview or coaching philosophy onto the room – like most old school coaches and leaders did, and many still do.

“The lesson for any coach or leader, is to take time to understand the people you are working with. Don’t simply impose your way, personality, knowledge or personal biases on the group. Take time to listen and observe before speaking. The better you understand the more you can tailor your coaching approach to meet the team’s needs.”

He feels that growing up the South African way is of significant benefit.

“Life in South Africa is not easy. South Africans know this  To succeed as an entrepreneur in South Africa, a category into which sport coaching might fall, requires a can-do, thick-skinned, boer maak ’n plan attitude to solving problems. Most first-world nations have it far easier, which doesn’t require nor teach the same levels resilience, determination, and grit to succeeded against the odds.”

More confident

Upton is now 55 but he has crammed a lifetime of knowledge and leadership skills into a distinguished career.

He feels that South Africans should be more confident in their skillsets.

“Strangely, South Africans in general tend to be unnecessarily apologetic,” he says.

“We suffer impostor syndrome more than the norm, and don’t really believe we can be major players on the world stage. Not knowing our value works against our nation’s athletes. This mindset tends to see us lacking confidence and playing smaller than our talent and hard work warrants. We also tend to give opponents from bigger or more ‘high functioning’ countries too much (unwarranted) respect.

“First, let’s call out the elephant in the room. South African sport is rife with politicians and elected officials who lead with a mixture of incompetence and their own selfish agenda. If sport was truly a businesses, which many of the top sports are, they would have been declared bankrupt. Or more accurately, their CEO’s and boards would have been fired long ago and replaced with competent C-suite executives who have a proven track-record of leading successful organisations.”

It’s the “playing-small” attitude which Upton says is detrimental to coaches who stay in South Africa.

”Stop playing small, stop giving too much respect to Australia, or the UK, or even the USA,” he asserts.

“We produced Elon Musk, the USA produced Biden and Trump. Take a leaf out of world cricket, hockey and rugby who have long realised the value SA coaches bring. We are very good at managing diversity, at making a plan. We are resilient, resourceful and street smart. The clear evidence is that the sporting world acknowledges the value that South African coaches offer. Maybe it’s time to learn how to better mine our own gold,” he says.

Gary Lemke is reporting live from Paris for the Team SA website for the duration of the Paris Olympics 2024

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Team South Africa’s official X page confirmed the news.

Smith won a gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke and a silver in the 200m breaststroke to go with her gold and silver from Tokyo in 2021 to make her Mzansi’s greatest Olympic athlete.

The 27-year-old announced her retirement shortly after concluding her commitments in the pool in Paris.

As a reminder, Akani Simbine and Caitlin Rooskrantz carried the South African flag at the opening ceremony in Paris.

Paris Olympics concluded on Sunday

Meanwhile, Team South Africa won a total of SIX medals at the Paris Olympics 2024 which wrapped up on Sunday, 11 August.

Prior to the start of this year’s Games, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) confirmed its financial incentives for the 138 athletes who represented the country in 19 sports in France.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Individuals
Gold medallists R400 000, coach R100 000
Silver medallists R200 000, coach R50 000
Bronze medallists R75 000, coach R25 000

Relays and team sports
Gold medal: R100 000 per player/athlete, coach R100 000
Silver medal: R75 000 per player/athlete, coach R75 000
Bronze medal: R50 000 per player/athlete, coach R50 000

Boats (2 athletes)
Gold medal: R200 000, coach R100 000
Silver medal: R100 000, coach R50 000
Bronze medal: R40 000, coach R20 000

South Africa’s six medals were won by:

GOLD (1) – Tatjana Smith (women’s 100m breaststroke)

SILVERS (3) – Tatjana Smith (women’s 200m breaststroke), men’s 4x100m relay team, Jo-Ane van Dyk (women’s javelin)

BRONZES (2) – Alan Hatherly (men’s mountain bike cross country), rugby sevens team

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PAYOUTS

* Benjamin Richardson did not compete in the 4x100m relay, but was an official member of the squad. Sineseipho Dambile was named as a reserve for the relay. It’s unclear whether either will be paid

** Katlego Letebele and Ronald Brown were named as reserves for the men’s rugby sevens. It’s unclear whether they will be paid

Something extra for Team South Africa medallists?

Meanwhile, new Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said that a ‘big surprise’ awaits South Africa’s medal winners at the Paris Olympics 2024.

As reported by The South African website, in a discussion with SABC Sport, McKenzie said he expected Team South Africa to return home with ‘eight medals’ from this year’s Games.

Although he was adamant that it remain a ‘surprise’ until being officially communicated, it appears clear that Team SA gold, silver and bronze medal winners will receive something in addition to the financial incentives announced previously by Sascoc.

Watch this space!

See you in Los Angeles in 2028.

What was your highlight of the Paris Olympics 2024?

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Prior to the start of this year’s Games, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) confirmed its financial incentives for the 138 athletes who represented the country in 19 sports in France.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Individuals
Gold medallists R400 000, coach R100 000
Silver medallists R200 000, coach R50 000
Bronze medallists R75 000, coach R25 000

Relays and team sports
Gold medal: R100 000 per player/athlete, coach R100 000
Silver medal: R75 000 per player/athlete, coach R75 000
Bronze medal: R50 000 per player/athlete, coach R50 000

Boats (2 athletes)
Gold medal: R200 000, coach R100 000
Silver medal: R100 000, coach R50 000
Bronze medal: R40 000, coach R20 000

South Africa’s six medals were won by:

GOLD (1) – Tatjana Smith (women’s 100m breaststroke)

SILVERS (3) – Tatjana Smith (women’s 200m breaststroke), men’s 4x100m relay team, Jo-Ane van Dyk (women’s javelin)

BRONZES (2) – Alan Hatherly (men’s mountain bike cross country), rugby sevens team

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PAYOUTS

* Benjamin Richardson did not compete in the 4x100m relay, but was an official member of the squad. Sineseipho Dambile was named as a reserve for the relay. It’s unclear whether either will be paid

** Katlego Letebele and Ronald Brown were named as reserves for the men’s rugby sevens. It’s unclear whether they will be paid

Something extra for Team South Africa medallists?

Meanwhile, new Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said that a ‘big surprise’ awaits South Africa’s medal winners at the Paris Olympics 2024.

As reported by The South African website, in a discussion with SABC Sport, McKenzie said he expected Team South Africa to return home with ‘eight medals’ from this year’s Games.

Although he was adamant that it remain a ‘surprise’ until being officially communicated, it appears clear that Team SA gold, silver and bronze medal winners will receive something in addition to the financial incentives announced previously by Sascoc.

Watch this space!

See you in Los Angeles in 2028.

What was your highlight of the Paris Olympics 2024?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest Olympic news.

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South Africa won a gold, three silvers and two bronze medals in France.

The gold and silver medals were won by Tatjana Smith in the women’s 100m breaststroke and 200m breaststroke, respectively.

Jo-Ane van Dyk (women’s javelin) and the men’s 4x100m relay team also took home silver medals, while the men’s rugby sevens team and Alan Hatherly in the men’s mountain bike cross country won bronze medals.

South Africa finished third-best in Africa

A total of 91 countries out of the 206 competing in France won at least one bronze medal.

The United States topped the medal table thanks to the gold medal won in the final event of the Games, the women’s basketball.

South Africa finished as the third-best African country behind 17th-placed Kenya (four golds, two silvers, five bronzes) and 39th-placed Algeria (two golds and one bronze).

Team South Africa was represented by 138 athletes, competing in 19 sports.

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Smith won the gold medal in the women’s 100m breaststroke and the silver medal in the women’s 200m breaststroke in France, while Walaza and Nkoana, along with Akani Simbine and Shaun Maswanganyi, secured a silver medal in the 4x100m relay.

Tatjana Smith officially South Africa’s greatest ever Olympian

With her most recent achievements, Tatjana Smith became South Africa’s greatest ever Olympian with two gold medals and two silver medals in swimming.

The 27-year-old announced her retirement shortly after concluding her commitments in the pool in Paris.

She will arrive home on Tuesday, 13 August at OR Tambo International Airport at 08:30.

New Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, along with other South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) dignitaries, will be present to welcome Smith, Walaza and Nkoana.

Walaza and Nkoana are due to touch down shortly after Smith at 08:50.

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Steyn crossed the line in a time of 2:32:51, well outside her South African record over the distance.

From early on in the race, those following closely on television would’ve noticed that the 34-year-old was conspicuous by her absence among the lead runners.

Post-race, Gerda Steyn took to social media to explain that she didn’t have her best day out on the roads of the French capital.

“Wow, what an experience!!! (but I am really glad it’s over) 🤣
The crowds were unbelievable and I will never forget this experience everrrr!! Thank you to those who have literally showered me with support and even though I didn’t run in the way I feel I am capable of, or trained for, I am still really proud to be part of this and I hope that my results today will also be a reminder to always keep going, even when the going gets tough 💪🏾💪🏾
I didn’t feel good from the start and knew early on that it would be a tough day out, but I never thought about giving up because of all of YOU 🫵🏽 who always cheer me on and believe in me, no matter what challenge I take on!
I am living my dream life and today’s results won’t change any of that!!!
💚💛💚💛💚💛
Congratulations to @cianoldknow and @irvette_van_zyl – we DID IT!!!!! #greentrio 🇿🇦
Now onto the Closing ceremony and some downtime with all my loved ones 🥳🥳Yehaaah!!”

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands took the gold medal in a new Olympic record time of 2:22:55.

Silver went to Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in 2:22:58 with Kenya’s Hellen Obiri (2:23:10).

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Cian Oldknow crossed the line in 32nd place in 2:30:29 while Irvette van Zyl finished 37th in 2:31:14.

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The 18-year-old alongside Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine made history at Stade de France when they won silver for South Africa in 4x100m relay and set an African record time of 37.75 seconds.

BAYANDA WALAZA TO RETURN TO SCHOOL AN OLYMPIC MEDALIST

Ahead of the race, Walaza’s school Curro Hazeldean sent his coach Thabo Matebe to Paris support the sprinter.

According to SABC Sport, Matebe who has 18 years experience and hails from Atteridgeville in Tshwane has coached big stars like Shaun Maswanganyi, Anaso Jobodwana, Gift Leotlela and Sinesipho Dambile among others.

Following his historic win, the 18-year-old from Gauteng told Newzroom Afrika that he put his country first by postponing his preliminary exams.

“It [winning an Olympic medal]means a lot to me . I had to sacrifice my preliminary exams preparations to fight for the country. I put my country first.

Walaza said he thinks he did very well so that other youngsters can also be motivated to show that age is just a number.

“You can accomplish anything you want to accomplish as long as you’re serious about it, you’re humble and you like what you’re doing,” he said.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said their job is to go find the next Olympians who are still at school.

“Our next Olympians are still at school, our job is to go find them. Look at this matriculant getting a Silver Medal,” he said in a tweet referring to Bayanda Walaza.

HOW MUCH ARE THE ATHLETES GOING TO RECEIVE?

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) had announced that athletes who win medals at the Paris Olympics will be rewarded handsomely for their hard work.

In terms of relays and team sports, this was the promise made:

Gold medal: R100 000 per player/athlete and the coach R100 000
Silver medal: R75 000 per player/athlete and the coach R75 000
Bronze medal: R50 000 per player/athlete and the coach R50 000

As previously reported by The South African website, in a discussion with SABC Sport, McKenzie said he expected Team South Africa to return home with ‘eight medals’ from this year’s Games.

Although he was adamant that it remain a ‘surprise’ until officially communicated, it appears clear that Team SA gold, silver and bronze medal winners will receive something in addition to the financial incentives announced by Sascoc.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BAYANDA WALAZA’S PERFORMANCE AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS?

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In response to South Africa’s policy of apartheid, the nation was then barred from the Games.

After negotiations to end apartheid in Mzansi commenced in 1990, South Africa re-joined the Olympic movement.

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) was created in 1991 and South Africa returned to the Games at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

In total, South Africa was excluded from seven Olympic Games’ in that period.

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Following the conclusion of the Paris Olympics 2024, South African athletes have now won a total of 95 medals to date in 11 different sports.

Those 95 medals comprise 28 golds, 36 silvers and 31 bronzes.

South Africa’s athletes will look to add to that tally at the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

SOUTH AFRICA MEDALS AT EVERY OLYMPIC GAMES

MEDALS WON BY SPORT

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There are no more medal chances for the 138-strong Team South Africa squad at this year’s Games.

As reported by The South African website, Cian Oldknow finished 32nd, Irvette van Zyl 37th and Gerda Steyn 45th in what was a thrilling women’s marathon.

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South Africa will leave Paris with one gold medal, three silvers and two bronzes.

Tatjana Smith was the ‘big’ winner for South Africa, collecting gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke and silver in the women’s 200m breaststoke.

Jo-Ane van Dyk in the women’s javelin and the men’s 4x100m relay team also picked up silver medals for South Africa.

Alan Hatherly (men’s mountain bike cross country) and the men’s rugby sevens team won bronze medals.

At the time of publishing, South Africa lie in a tie for 42nd place in the medal table alongside Jamaica and Thailand.

South Africa has now won 95 medals in total since first competing at the Olympics in 1904 in St. Louis in the United States.

This bombshell ruling comes from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). They decided that Chiles’ medal was awarded improperly.

JORDAN CHILES SCORE POINTS

Chiles, the 23-year-old US gymnast, initially scored 13.666, placing her fifth, according to Daily Mail.

However, after her coach, Cecile Landi, successfully appealed, the judges increased her score by 0.1, moving her up to third place.

This adjustment had a ripple effect, pushing Romania’s Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea down to fourth and fifth, respectively. This was despite their identical scores of 13.700.

JORDAN CHILES SCORE ADJUSTMENT

In a surprising decision on Saturday, CAS overturned the score adjustment, according to The Guardian.

They ruled that Chiles lodged her appeal outside the one-minute window stipulated by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

The court ordered that the original standings be restored. This reinstated Barbosu to third place, with Maneca-Voinea fourth and Chiles fifth.

JORDAN CHILES AND USA GYMNASTICS

USA Gymnastics has expressed its devastation at the ruling.

In response, Chiles announced a break from social media for her mental health. “I need to take some time off for myself. This has been a lot to process.”

This ruling also removes the distinction of having the first all-black Olympic gymnastics podium, according to the Washington Post.

JORDAN CHILES AND THE CONTROVERSIAL RULING

The historic moment was celebrated by many, but now it seems it may be short-lived.

The ruling has sparked a storm of reactions.

Barbosu, who had prematurely celebrated with a Romanian flag, felt devastated by the change.

“I was heartbroken when I saw the score adjustment,” she said. “I only want fairness and to be rewarded for our efforts.”

THE ROMANIAN GYMNASTICS FEDERATION

The Romanian Gymnastics Federation had lodged formal complaints with CAS, aiming to restore the rightful standings.

They argued that the judges’ decision to adjust Jordan Chiles’ score was a mistake.

“Our goal is to correct the errors made and restore our athletes’ rights,” the federation said in a statement.

CLOSING CEREMONY BOYCOTTS

The controversy has ignited broader debates.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu even declared he would boycott the closing ceremony in protest.

He promised to honour Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea, “including in terms of the prizes.”

ALLEGED RACIAL BIAS

Jordan’s sister, Jazmin Chiles, took to social media, alleging racial bias in the decision.

“Racism is real, and it’s affecting my sister,” Jazmin said.

“Her medal was stripped over a matter of seconds due to judging errors, not her performance.”

She added, “In Olympic history, no one has ever lost a medal for this reason. It’s unfair.”

TEAM MATES SHOW SUPPORT

Chiles’ teammate, Suni Lee, also voiced her disappointment.

“This is utterly unacceptable,” Lee wrote online. “I’m gutted for Jordan. I’ve got her back no matter what.”

Simone Biles, a close friend and teammate, has shown solidarity with Jordan Chiles, sharing a post on Instagram that celebrated their achievements together.

“Red, white, Biles & Chiles,” Biles captioned a photo of them on the podium.

BIASED SUPPORT

Romanian gymnastics fans and critics have also weighed in.

Some accused Nadia Comaneci, a gymnastics legend, of showing biased support towards the Romanian gymnasts.

Comaneci has emphasised the importance of mental health for all athletes but has faced criticism for her perceived partiality.

FAIRNESS IN OLYMPIC JUDGING

As the dust settles, the gymnastics community remains divided.

The focus now shifts to how this ruling will impact the athletes involved and the broader perception of fairness in Olympic judging.

For Jordan Chiles, this moment marks a challenging chapter in her Olympic journey, remembered for its controversy and the enduring debate it sparks.

DO YOU THINK THE DECISION TO STRIP CHILES OF HER MEDAL WAS FAIR? WHY OR WHY NOT?

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Gerda Steyn crossed the line in a time of 2:32:51.

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands took the gold medal in a new Olympic record time of 2:22:55.

Silver went to Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in 2:22:58 with Kenya’s Hellen Obiri (2:23:10).

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Cian Oldknow crossed the line in 32nd place in 2:30:29 while Irvette van Zyl finished 37th in 2:31:14.

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This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

OLYMPIC BREAKDANCE AND RAYGUN

The 36-year-old, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, took the Olympic stage by storm.

Not just with her moves, but with her unapologetic style and fierce commitment to originality, according to People.

In the debut of breaking as an Olympic event, Raygun’s unconventional dance style became the talk of the internet.

OLYMPIC BREAKDANCE AND CREATIVITY

The Aussie breaker faced off against some of the world’s top B-girls, including Team USA’s Logistx and France’s Syssy. She didn’t walk away with victories in her round-robin battles.

However, she did walk away with her creative spirit intact.

Speaking to ESPN after her performance, Raygun made it clear that she isn’t here to play by the traditional rules.

OLYMPIC BREAKDANCE AND THE INTERNET TROLLS

“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves,” Raygun said. She acknowledged the strengths of her competitors.

“What I bring is creativity.”

Her distinctive moves, which some online jokers dubbed “kangaroo-like,” didn’t win her the battles, but they certainly won her attention.

Social media users were quick to compare her Olympic breakdancing style to that of an energetic child showing off their latest tricks.

CREATIVITY AND COMPETITION

But Raygun isn’t fazed by the jabs, according to Daily Mail. “All of my moves are original,” she stated confidently.

“Creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry.

Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art.”

Raygun’s performance sparked a larger conversation about the nature of Olympic breakdancing and the place of creativity in competition.

SUPPORT FROM OTHER ATHLETES

While some were quick to dismiss her Olympic breakdance style as too offbeat for the Olympic stage, others praised her for bringing something new and unique to the floor.

Australia’s chef de mission, Anna Meares, also came to Raygun’s defence. She addressed the harsher side of the online commentary.

ALLEGED SEXIST UNDERTONES

Meares, a former Olympic cyclist, didn’t hold back in calling out what she saw as sexist undertones in the criticism.

“I love Rachael, and I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing,” Meares said.

This echoed the sentiment of many who felt that Raygun was unfairly targeted, accoridng to The Guardian.

FOR THE LOVE OF DANCE

“Olympic breakdancer Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team,” Meares continued.

“She has represented the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm.

And I absolutely love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her, that she has come under the attack that she has.”

ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS

Raygun’s journey to the Olympics wasn’t an easy one.

A university lecturer in Sydney by day, she has spent years carving out her place in the male-dominated world of breaking.

“In 2008, she was locked in a room crying, being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman,” Meares revealed.

“It took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in the Olympic breakdancing sport that she loved.”

NOT FAZED BY THE TROLLS

Despite the online noise, Raygun remains steadfast in her belief that Olympic breakdancing is about more than just power moves.

It’s about creativity, originality, and, most importantly, self-expression.

“I’m all about creativity,” she said. And that’s something no amount of social media trolling can take away from her.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT RAYGUN’S UNIQUE STYLE OF BREAKING? DO YOU APPRECIATE CREATIVITY OVER TRADITIONAL MOVES IN SPORTS?

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South Africa came into the Paris Olympics looking to improve on their performance in Tokyo 2020 in 2021 where they won three medals courtesy of the gold and silver from Tatjana Smith (nee Schoenmaker) and silver from Bianca Buitendag.

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SOUTH AFRICA’S MEDAL TALLY – UPDATED DAILY

SOUTH AFRICA’S MEDAL WINNERS BY SPORT

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Jo-Ane van Dyk finished second in the women’s javelin with a throw of 63.93.

Japan’s Haruka Kitaguchi took gold with a season’s best throw of 65.80, while the Czech Republic’s Nikola Ogrodnikova finished third with 63.68.

Van Dyk won R200 000 for her silver medal, as promised by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) prior to the Games.

South Africa’s other five medals are one gold medal (Tatjana Smith – women’s 100m breaststroke), two silvers (Smith – women’s 200m breaststroke, men’s 4x100m relay) and two bronzes (men’s rugby sevens, Alan Hatherly – men’s mountain bike cross country).

Extra something for Team South Africa medal winners?

Meanwhile, new Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said that a ‘big surprise’ awaits South Africa’s medal winners at the Paris Olympics 2024.

As reported by The South African website, in a discussion with SABC Sport, McKenzie said he expected Team South Africa to return home with ‘eight medals’ from this year’s Games.

Although he was adamant that it remain a ‘surprise’ until officially communicated, it appears clear that Team SA gold, silver and bronze medal winners will receive something in addition to the financial incentives announced previously by Sascoc.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

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Tatjana Smith (gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke, silver in the women’s 200m breaststroke), the men’s 4x100m relay team (silver), Alan Hatherly (bronze in the men’s mountain bike cross country) and the men’s rugby sevens team (bronze) have mounted the podium in Paris to date.

Gerda Steyn part of a three-women SA team

South Africa’s queen of the road, Gerda Steyn, will have her eye on adding to Team South Africa’s medal tally in the women’s marathon.

The race will be held on Sunday, 11 August at 08:00 (SA time).

This will be the 11th time that the women’s marathon will be contested at the Olympics.

South Africa will be represented by Gerda Steyn, Irvette van Zyl and Cian Oldknow in the women’s marathon.

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A total of 99 women appear on the entry list.

The Olympic women’s marathon record is held by Ethiopia’s Tiki Gelana who set a time of 2:23:07 in winning gold at the London Olympics in 2012.

The women’s marathon world record is held by Tigst Assefa, also of Ethiopia, who stopped the clock in a time of 2:11:53 when winning the Berlin Marathon in September 2023.

Assefa is in the field for the Paris marathon, while Gelana will not take part.

Gerda’s Steyn’s personal best in the marathon stands at 2:25:28.

‘Brigid Kosgei expressed an injury concern’

Meanwhile, Kenya’s former marathon world record holder and Olympic silver medallist Brigid Kosgei has pulled out of the Paris Olympics because of injury.

The 30-year-old Kosgei, who set a then world record 2:14:04 for the women’s marathon in Chicago 2019, was hoping to make her second Olympic appearance after being named alongside defending champion Peres Jepchirchir and former Olympic 5 000m silver medallist Hellen Obiri in the women’s marathon line-up.

The Kenyan marathon team – which also includes the men’s two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge – has been in residential training in the Rift Valley athletics hub of Eldoret for the past two months.

“It’s during one of the regular monitoring sessions that Olympic silver medallist Brigid Kosgei expressed an injury concern to the technical team,” Kenya’s Olympic Committee said in a statement.

“Upon a review by the medical team led by the chief medical officer… Kosgei will not be heading to Paris for her second Olympics.”

The statement did not specify the injury.

Kosgei has been replaced by Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 New York marathon champion who had been named in the travelling reserve squad.

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The only man to run under two hours – albeit in an unofficial race – the Kenyan superstar decided enough was enough in Paris and stopped running around the 30km mark.

In scenes captured by an AFP reporter in the crowd, Kipchoge turned to fans and handed over his shoes, bib and socks to supporters, receiving a rapturous reception.

He then climbed wearily into a waiting van and was driven away as the crowd cheered wildly.

‘This is my worst marathon’ – Eliud Kipchoge

Kipchoge was aiming to win a historic third straight gold, but was about eight minutes off the pace when he decided to throw in the towel.

Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola won the race in an Olympic record time of 2:06:26, declaring it to be the “greatest day” of his life.

For Kipchoge though, it was “a tough day at the office”.

“This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That’s life,” he said.

He said he experienced pain in his back after the 20-kilometre mark.

Kipchoge was non-committal on his future.

“I don’t know what my future will hold. I will think about it over the next three months. I still want to try to run some marathons,” he said.

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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Simbine, Bradley Nkoana, Bayanda Walaza and Shaun Maswanganyi all played a vital role in Team SA adding another silver medal to their tally at the Olympics in Paris.

Furthermore, Simbine will feel a degree of justice and relief after missing out on a medal by 0.01 seconds in the epic 100m final.

All four silver medallists – and every medal winner will pocket some good money.

Meanwhile, Tatjana Smith claimed gold and silver, racking up big-money upon wrapping up an even bigger career.

HOW MUCH SIMBINE AND TEAM SA SILVER WINNERS MADE

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) announced their financial incentive structure for the athletes and coaches prior to the global showpiece.

As reported on The South African, here are the incentives for track relay athletes.

Gold medal: R100 000 per athlete and the coach R100 000
Silver medal: R75 000 per athlete and the coach R75 000
Bronze medal: R50 000 per athlete and the coach R50 000

Akani Simbine pocketed R75 000 after Team SA secured a silver medal in the 4x100m relay in Paris on Friday evening.

Bradley Nkoana, Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi also took home R75 000.

Simbine was a split second away from R50 000 (a bronze) after an epic photo finish that saw Noah Lyles win a classic 100m that will live long in the memory of athletics fans and sports fans alike.

Unfortunately, he missed out on the podium finish and incentive.

However, Simbine set a national record after clocking in a national record with a blistering 9.86m in the 100m sprint.

TATJANA SMITH TAKES HOME GOLD AND SILVER AS SHE FINISHED HER CAREER ON A HIGH

Iconic South African swimmer, Tatiana Smith, conquered the world on her route to securing her gold medal in the 100m breaststroke final.

Furthermore, she clocked in an impressive time of 1:05:28 on route to her first of two medals.

Additionally, Smith secured another medal, this time a silver medal, in the 200m breaststroke.

Therefore, Smith took home a total of R600 000 (R400 000 for gold and R200 000 for silver).

What a finish!

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT TATJANA SMITH, SIMBINE AND TEAM SA’S PERFORMANCE AT THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS?

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The medal was South Africa’s fifth of the Games, which wrap up on Sunday, 11 August.

At the time of publishing, South Africa have won one gold medal (Tatjana Smith – women’s 100m breaststroke), two silvers (Smith – women’s 200m breaststroke, men’s 4x100m relay) and two bronzes (men’s rugby sevens, Alan Hatherly – men’s mountain bike cross country).

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As reported prior to the start of this year’s Olympics, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) confirmed its financial incentives for the 138 athletes who represented the country in 19 sports in France.

R75 000 EACH

In terms of relays and team sports, this was the promise made:

Gold medal: R100 000 per player/athlete and the coach R100 000
Silver medal: R75 000 per player/athlete and the coach R75 000
Bronze medal: R50 000 per player/athlete and the coach R50 000

That means each of the five officially named South African men’s 4x100m relay members should be entitled for R75 000 each.

Those members were: Simbine, Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana and Benjamin Richardson.

Richardson did not run in the semi-final nor the final, but presumably would be entitled to an equal share.

The 12 members of the bronze-winning men’s rugby sevens squad should all be in line to receive R50 000 each.

However!

New Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said that a ‘big surprise’ awaits South Africa’s medal winners at the Paris Olympics 2024.

As reported by The South African website, in a discussion with SABC Sport, McKenzie said he expected Team South Africa to return home with ‘eight medals’ from this year’s Games.

Although he was adamant that it remain a ‘surprise’ until officially communicated, it appears clear that Team SA gold, silver and bronze medal winners will receive something in addition to the financial incentives announced previously by Sascoc.

Time will tell!

Tatjana Smith the big winner

Meanwhile, in terms of individual South African medal winners at the Paris Olympics, this was Sascoc’s financial promise:

Gold medallists R400 000 and the coach R100 000
Silver medallists R200 000 and the coach R50 000
Bronze medallists R75 000 and the coach R25 000

That means Tatjana Smith will pocket R400 000 + R200 000, making the now retired swimming star South Africa’s ‘big’ winner with a total of R600 000 (before Gayton McKenzie’s additional reward).

Alan Hatherly will be rewarded with R75 000 for his bronze medal, again, prior to any extra payout.