Golden Moments and Bronze Brilliance: South Africa at Paris 2024

South Africa is celebrating a stellar performance at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics, having secured three medals so far. The Blitz Boks kicked off the medal count with a hard-earned bronze in rugby sevens, marking the country’s first podium finish at these Games. Mountain biker Alan Hatherly followed suit, capturing his first Olympic medal, also a bronze, in a grueling cross-country race. The crowning achievement came from Tatjana Smith, who clinched gold in the 100m breaststroke, further cementing her legacy and adding to South Africa’s impressive tally.

Blitz Boks Strike Bronze at Paris 2024

South Africa qualified for the Games by winning the final repechage slot last month after a poor season. But they shocked New Zealand in the quarter-finals only to lose 19-5 to France in their semi-final having taken the lead early in the second half.

South Africa beat Australia 26-19 with the last play of a pulsating rugby sevens third-place playoff on Saturday to win their second Olympic bronze and complete a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes this season.

After a dismal season on the sevens circuit, the Blitzboks should be happy of how they battled to earn South Africa’s first medal, having only qualified for Paris 2024 through the Olympic repechage.
Overall, the team has won the World Rugby Sevens Series 4 times, as well as having won 40 tournaments in the series.

Mountain Biking Marvel: Hatherly’s Bronze Glory

Mountain biker Alan Hatherly clinched Team SA’s second medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a hard-fought bronze in the men’s cross-country race on a grueling course on Monday. This momentous win marks South Africa’s first cycling medal since their return to the international stage in 1992, showcasing Hatherly’s endurance and skill. His remarkable achievement not only adds to the nation’s medal tally but also highlights the resilience and competitive spirit of South African athletes on the global stage.

Hatherly secured South Africa’s second medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday, earning his first-ever Olympic medal and making history as South Africa’s first in mountain biking. His remarkable bronze in the men’s cross-country race stands as a testament to his dedication and skill, adding a significant milestone to South Africa’s Olympic achievements.

The GOLD Tatjana Smith 

In a historic and proud moment for South Africa, Tatjana Smith clinched the nation’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Smith, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination, triumphed in the women’s 100m breaststroke with a remarkable time of 1:05.28 on Monday. This victory adds to her impressive Olympic record, bringing her total to three medals—two golds and one silver. With just one more medal, Smith is poised to equal Chad le Clos’s record of four, the highest for any South African Olympian.

South Africa’s athletes have showcased remarkable talent and dedication at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing a total of three medals so far: one gold and two bronze. Nearly 150 athletes are representing Team South Africa in their 21st appearance at the Olympic Games, held from 26 July to 11 August. This achievement underscores the nation’s competitive spirit and commitment to excellence on the global stage, making the country proud with each victory and inspiring future generations of athletes.

South Africa entered the 2024 Paris Olympics with high hopes of surpassing their Tokyo 2020 performance, where they clinched three medals thanks to Tatjana Smith’s (formerly Schoenmaker) gold and silver, along with Bianca Buitendag’s silver. Their determination to excel and build upon past successes has shone brightly, already making this a memorable and triumphant campaign.