With the Paris 2024 Olympics kicking off today, Team South Africa is gearing up for action with an outpouring of support from across the country.
Representing the Western Cape prominently, the South African squad is set to showcase their talents and raise the national flag.
Also read: 2024 Summer Olympics: Extensive coverage for South African viewers
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has announced that 138 athletes will compete in 19 sports, including gymnastics, rugby sevens, swimming, surfing, canoeing, climbing and athletics. Additionally, nine reserve players will be on standby.
Chairperson of the portfolio committee on sports, arts, and culture, Joe McGluwa, expressed his confidence that Team SA would return with several medals.
He highlighted notable athletes like Gerda Steyn, Wayde van Niekerk, Akani Simbine, Luxolo Adams, Chad Le Clos, and Tatjana Smith, encouraging them to draw inspiration from the Springboks’ success at the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.
Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, assured that everything is set for Team SA.
He praised the French government for their excellent organisation of the historic event and noted that South Africans, including the athletes, feel secure. McKenzie also looked forward to showcasing the team’s official kits, thanks to supportive sponsors.
The Olympics will be broadcasted on SABC TV stations and the SABC Plus streaming app, following the SABC’s acquisition of broadcast rights.
Notably, athletes from the Western Cape, including Stellenbosch local Mathrin Simmers, are making history. At 36, Simmers is one of the oldest members of the women’s rugby sevens team, which is competing in the Olympics for the first time after qualifying but withdrawing from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. The team faces tough competition from Australia, Ireland and Great Britain.
Additionally, seven members from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) are fulfilling their Olympic dreams. Ryan Julius, a current UWC student, is competing in hockey for the second consecutive Olympics, while Tristan Leyds, a former UWC student, is part of the sevens rugby squad.
Leyds is the younger brother of Springbok and La Rochelle Champion Cup winner Dillyn Leyds. UWC alumni Jenna Morkel and Lynn Abrahamse are also contributing as the technical analyst for the women’s rugby team and manager of the women’s hockey team, respectively.
Tatjana Smith, who won gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, aims to become the first South African to retain an Olympic title in Paris. Despite the immense pressure, Smith remains focused and optimistic, relying on her preparation and faith to guide her.
She will begin her 2024 campaign with the 100m breaststroke heats on Sunday morning at the Paris La Defense Arena.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
Also read:
South Africa’s golden girl, Tatjana Smith, heads to Paris for 2024 Olympics
Picture: Roger Sedres / Gallo Images