Team South Africa concludes the 2024 Paris Olympics with six medals

The 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris, France, has come to a spectacular close, with Team South Africa making a remarkable mark by securing six medals—double the number achieved at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The stellar performances of South African athletes highlighted the nation's competitive spirit and determination on the world stage.

Nearly 150 athletes represented Team South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympics, held from July 26 to August 11. The team achieved a remarkable total of six medals by the end of the Games, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication across multiple disciplines, including rugby sevens, cycling, swimming, and athletics. Here’s a look at the medals won by Team South Africa and the athletes who achieved them:

Tatjana Smith Dominates with Two Medals

Tatjana Smith emerged as a standout athlete, clinching two medals in her final Olympic appearance. Smith earned gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke, becoming Team SA’s sole gold medalist at this year’s Games. She also secured a silver medal in the women’s 200m breaststroke. This marked a poignant moment as Smith announced her retirement from professional competition following the Olympics, capping off an illustrious career with a strong final performance.

Men’s 4x100m Relay Team Secures Silver

The South African men’s 4x100m relay team delivered an impressive performance, securing the silver medal. The relay team, consisting of Akani Simbine (30), Shaun Maswanganyi (23), Sinesipho Dambile (22), Bradley Nkoana (19), and Bayanda Walaza (18), showcased their speed and teamwork. They clocked the second-fastest time in the heats and held their own in the final to claim the silver medal, underscoring their exceptional athleticism.

Jo-Ane van Dyk Surprises with Silver in Javelin

In a surprising turn of events, Jo-Ane van Dyk earned a silver medal in the women’s javelin final. Despite being ranked 11th in the world going into the final, Van Dyk threw an impressive distance of 63.93 meters. Her unexpected podium finish highlighted her exceptional skill and determination, adding a notable achievement to Team South Africa’s medal tally.

Alan Hatherly Makes History with Bronze

Cyclist Alan Hatherly achieved a historic milestone by winning a bronze medal in the Men’s Cross-Country Cycling Mountain Bike race. Hatherly finished third, just 11 seconds behind the leader and a mere two seconds behind the second-place runner. His performance not only earned him a place on the podium but also made him the first South African and African to secure an Olympic mountain bike medal.

Blitzboks Secure Bronze in Rugby Sevens

The South African Sevens Rugby Team, known as the Blitzboks, achieved a significant victory by winning the bronze medal. In the third-place playoff against Australia, the Blitzboks triumphed with a score of 26-19. This was a remarkable achievement, especially given their underdog status following a challenging Sevens Series leading up to the Games.

Team South Africa’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was marked by dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent. The six medals secured reflect a strong showing and offer a hopeful outlook for future international competitions. As the nation celebrates these achievements, the contributions of each athlete will be remembered as a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence.