Olympics: Latest News, Interviews and Insights

The Olympic Games is truly the king table of the sporting world. It is a culmination of the very best athletes in the world, coming together to put on a showpiece which has defied the laws of time and still captures the imagination of fans around the world. From a South African perspective, it has and always will be a testament to the unwavering belief in our unified, yet diverse, abilities.

Louis Hobbs
Louis Hobbs

Last Updated: 2025-03-06

Chad Nagel

2 minutes read

Hockey - Commonwealth Games: Day 4

Featured Article

The South African Indoor Hockey team, Blitzstoks, reflect on their historic Bronze medal win at the World Cup. Captain Mustapha Cassiem discusses the team's journey, sacrifice, and the lack of financial support from Hockey South Africa. He urges the Sports Minister to invest in the sport for future success. The South African Indoor Hockey team, Blitzstoks, reflect on their historic Bronze medal win at the World Cup. Captain Mustapha Cassiem discusses the team's journey, sacrifice, and the lack of financial support from Hockey South Africa. He urges the Sports Minister to invest in the sport for future success.

Nathan Gogela
Sports Writer
Updated: 2025-02-20
4 minutes read

Historical Overview of South Africa in the Olympics

A closer look at the rich history South Africa has with the Olympic Games 

The Early Years and Apartheid Era

Since making its debut back in 1904, South Africa has celebrated incredible achievements and mourned some horrible history with respect to the games. South Africa’s triumphant return in 1992 – after the end of the Apartheid regime – has further entrenched national pride among South Africans from all walks of life and served as a platform for social progress and global excellence. 

Due to the global community condemning the Apartheid regime in South Africa, we had to endure a ban from the Olympics between 1960 and 1992. 

Reintegration and Post-Apartheid Era

For the first time at the Barcelona games, the country was welcomed back into the global community following political reform and an end to an exclusionary social model. 

South Africa’s glorious flag was hoisted high and athletes from our country were once again able to compete. 

One of the more iconic immediate successes for South Africa was that of Elana Meyer. She won a silver medal in the women’s 10,000-meter race – and who can forget her post-race embrace with Ethiopian bronze medalist, Derartu Tulu?

These were the pioneers who helped restore our global image and ensured there was once again respect and acceptance for our nation.

Notable South African Olympians

SportsBoom takes a closer look at our South African Olympians who saw their name written into the annals of eternity.

Josia Thugwane

The first Black South African to win an Olympic Gold medal. His massive win came in 1996, just two years after Nelson Mandela was elected as President. A marathon winner who almost personified the ‘marathon’ the country had just completed politically. Josia Thugwane made his impossible dream, possible – and in the process inspired an entire generation. 

Penny Hayns

Hayns would dominate the 1996 Atlanta Games, winning gold in both the 100m and the 200m breaststroke events. Interestingly, she is currently the only woman to achieve this double in the same Olympic Games. 

Wade Van Niekerk

Wayde Van Niekerk

Wayde Van Niekerk//Getty Images

Aah yes, the 2016 Rio Olympics. Wade would stun the world and break an eternal record set by Michael Johnson – claiming the 400m gold medal in the process. He would become an instant hero at home, ensuring his name was known around the globe and reminding everyone why he is considered one of the greatest sprinters of all time. 

Caster Semenya

The absolute ruler of the 800m event, Semenya would win Olympic Gold at both the 2012 games in London and the 2016 event in Rio. She is a true testament to resilience and talent, having to endure incredible scrutiny and controversy, both of which threatened to undo her success. In true South African spirit though, she is still seen as an idol and example for many. 

Chad Le Clos

Headlining the 2012 London Olympic Games, defeating the legend that is Michael Phelps and claiming gold in the 200m butterfly event. Le Clos also went on to win a silver medal in the 100m butterfly event and followed that up with two more silvers in Rio four years later. 

Chad Le Clos will be remembered as one of South Africa’s greatest Olympians. 

South Africa’s Performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics

How did South Africa do at the 2024 Olympic Games?

Our Medal Achievements

Gold Medal:

  • Tatjana Smith (Women’s 100m Breaststroke)
Tatjana Smith of Team South Africa

Tatjana Smith of Team South Africa//Getty Images

Silver Medal:

  • Tatjana Smith (Women’s 200m Breaststroke)
  • Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana, Akani Simbine (Men’s 4x100m Relay)
  • Jo-Ane van Dyk (Women’s Javelin Throw)

Bronze Medal:

  • Alan Hatherly (Men’s Cross-Country Cycling)
  • Blitz Boks (Men’s Rugby 7s)

Emerging Talents

As we look ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, there are a host of young talents South Africans can look forward to seeing. 

Names such as,

  • Tatjana Smith
  • Bayanda Walaza
  • Bradley Nkoana 
  • Alan Hatherly 

are all incredibly young. Yes, they have already made history by achieving a medal at the 2024 edition of the Olympics – but you would hazard a guess that their best days are still ahead of them. 

Our government has also launched what they call ‘Project 300’ – an initiative to see 300 athletes sent to the Olympics in 2028. This will mean a greater influence on identifying and then developing young talent throughout the country, but it also ensures we have more names in the proverbial medal hat. 

The Future of South Africa in the Olympics 

South Africa has already expressed an interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. Should South Africa be successful, this would be the first time the event would be hosted on African soil and given how we hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup – it would surely be an absolute (African) spectacle. 

Through this bid and the Project 300 initiative, there has already been an added focus on developing and assisting young talent. 

Our sporting academies through our Universities and High Schools are always being bolstered. The addition of ‘SuperSport Schools’ coverage on national television and the professional approach to hosting tournaments have all aided in ensuring we have a functional platform for this approach. 

Recent Olympic Highlights

EventAthlete(s)Medal
Women’s 100m Breaststroke Tatjana SmithGold 
Women’s 200m Breaststroke Tatjana Smith Silver 
Men’s 4x100m RelayBayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana, Akani SimbineSilver 
Women’s Javelin ThrowJo-Ane van DykSilver 
Men’s Cross-Country CyclingAlan HatherlyBronze 
Men’s Rugby 7sBlitz Boks Bronze 
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