South Africa's Paralympic Stars Set to Dazzle in Paris

28 Aug

As the curtain falls on the Olympic Games, the spotlight now shifts to the highly anticipated 17th edition of the Paralympic Games. Over 4,000 athletes from more than 150 nations will come together to compete across 22 thrilling sports, showcasing their skills and resilience. From Wednesday, 28 August to Sunday, 8 September, Paris will play host to its first-ever Summer Paralympics, following the 1992 Winter Games in Tignes and Albertville. Team South Africa is ready to make the nation proud on the global stage, carrying the hopes of the country.

The Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of competition for athletes with disabilities. Since the inaugural event in Rome in 1960, the Paralympics have grown into a world-renowned sporting spectacle. Paris 2024 marks the 17th edition of these Games, and for South Africa, it will be the 13th time the country competes in the Paralympics. Notably, South Africa first participated during the apartheid era, competing in the 1964, 1968, 1972, and 1976 Games before being banned from international sport.

This year, South Africa’s Paralympic squad consists of 26 athletes, spanning seven sporting codes. The team is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, including three Tokyo Paralympic medallists. With a mix of experience and fresh talent, Team South Africa is prepared to leave its mark on Paris and continue the nation’s proud Paralympic tradition.

The 2024 Paralympics promise to be an electrifying event, and Team South Africa is gearing up to make a powerful impact. Among the athletes to watch closely are three inspiring Paralympic medallists: Pieter du Preez, Louzanne Coetzee, and Sheryl James. Du Preez, who brought home gold in the men’s road time trial H1, is returning with his sights set on a second gold medal. With his relentless drive and past triumphs, he’s expected to lead the charge for South Africa on the cycling front.

In athletics, Louzanne Coetzee and Sheryl James are set to continue their medal-winning performances. Coetzee, who secured silver and bronze in her previous Paralympic outing, will aim to go even further this time around, while James, a bronze medallist, will be pushing for a spot on the podium once again. These athletes are not just competing—they are showcasing the strength, resilience, and excellence of South Africa’s Paralympic team, ready to inspire a nation on the world stage.

Barry Hendricks, President of SASCOC, expressed his enthusiasm about South Africa’s representation at the Paralympics, calling it the ultimate stage for athletes. He emphasized the honor and excitement of announcing teams heading to such prestigious multi-coded Games, with the Paralympics standing as the pinnacle of achievement.

In a move to celebrate and reward exceptional performances, Hendricks revealed when he announced the initial Teams SA squad in July, that financial incentives will be aligned with those offered to Olympic athletes. Gold medallists will receive R400,000, with their coaches earning R100,000. Silver medallists will be awarded R200,000 and R50,000, while bronze medallists will take home R75,000, with their coaches getting R25,000. This substantial support underscores South Africa’s commitment to recognising and fostering excellence in its Paralympic athletes.

As the 2024 Paralympics kick off today, Team South Africa is set to light up the games with their remarkable spirit and relentless drive. This year’s competition promises to be a thrilling showcase of extraordinary talent and resilience, with South African athletes ready to make their mark on the global stage. As the world tunes in to witness these incredible feats of strength and determination, all eyes will be on our athletes, who are poised to inspire and captivate with every performance. Let the games begin and may South Africa’s champions shine brightly, proving once again that courage and perseverance know no bounds.

Teams SA Participants

Athletics

Louzanne Coetzee (1500m and marathon)
Jaco Smit (100m)
Sheryl James (100m, 200m, 400m), Liezel Gouws (400m and long jump)
Simone Kruger (discus)
Mpumelelo Mhlongo (100m and long jump), Tezna Abrahams (long jump and 200m)
Khumo Pitso (high jump)
Collen Mahlalela (400m)
Paul Daniels (400m), Daniel du Plessis (400m)
Puseletso Mabote (100m and long jump)
Hermanus Blom (shot put)
Yane van der Merwe (discus)
Kerwin Noemdo (shot put)

Boccia

BC3 Karabo Cassius Morapedi and Elanza Jordaan

Cycling

Pieter du Preez

Equastrian

G4 (GIV) Philippa Johnson-Dwyer

Judo

Ndyebo Lamani (under 73kg)

Para-Triathlon

Kirsty Weir

Swimming

Kat Swanepoel (50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle. 200m breaststroke, 200m IM)
Christian Sadie (50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m freestyle)
Alani Ferreira (400m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 200m IM, 100m butterfly)
Nathan Hendricks (200m individual medley, 100m backstroke)
Danika Vyncke (100m breaststroke)

Wheelchair Tennis