South Africa’s sporting excellence took centre stage this past weekend as the nation celebrated its finest athletes at the 18th edition of the South African Sports Awards, hosted at the Sun City Superbowl. The evening, themed “Celebrating Sporting Excellence”, was filled with pride, emotion, and recognition of remarkable achievements both on and off the field.

The headline act belonged to swimming icon Tatjana Smith, who closed the chapter on her glittering career with a double triumph. The four-time Olympian, who last year bowed out of competitive swimming after her Paris 2024 heroics, was named both Sportswoman of the Year and the coveted Sport Star of the Year. Smith’s dominance in Paris, where she captured a gold and a silver in the breaststroke events, once again underscored her status as one of South Africa’s greatest athletes.

An emotional Smith addressed the nation as she accepted her awards: “South Africa, thank you for allowing me to be your golden girl. It’s been bigger than I ever dreamed, and your support has meant the world to me. Standing on that stage, representing our country, is something I will never give up for anything.”

While Smith’s farewell made headlines, the night also shone a light on the next generation. Paralympic sensation Simoné Kruger walked away with two major accolades – Junior Sport Star of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability. Her remarkable performances in para athletics have positioned her as one of the brightest young stars in South African sport.

Joining her on the winners’ list was fellow para athlete Mpumelelo Mhlongo, who claimed the Sportsman of the Year with a Disability award.

Cyclist Alan Hatherly, who has consistently flown the South African flag high in international competition, was named Sportsman of the Year, while the men’s 4x100m relay team, medalists at the Paris Games, took home Team of the Year honours. Beyond the athletes, the awards also acknowledged the pillars that support sporting success.

Cricket South Africa’s Pholetsi Moseki was named Sport Administrator of the Year, while para surfing initiative Made for More Zama won Recreation Body of the Year. Veteran footballer and activist Phuti Lekoloane earned recognition as Sport Volunteer of the Year, applauded for his community impact.

On the media front, Roger Sedres took home Sport Visual Journalist of the Year, while trailblazing para cyclist-turned-reporter Palesa Manaleng claimed Sports Media Journalist of the Year.

Ernesta Strydom was celebrated as Technical Official of the Year, and Rocco Meiring, the mastermind behind Smith’s swimming success, was crowned Coach of the Year. A special highlight of the night came when legendary middle- and long-distance runner Zola Budd-Pieterse received the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring her enduring contribution to athletics and South African sport.

The evening affirmed that while Tatjana Smith’s story may have reached its closing chapter in the pool, South Africa’s sporting future remains in safe and inspiring hands. From young trailblazers like Simoné Kruger to seasoned campaigners such as Alan Hatherly, the awards painted a powerful picture of a nation that continues to thrive on the world stage.