Thank you for your inspiring performances at the 2024 Summer Olympics
As the curtain falls on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, we can all agree that Team South Africa has done us proud. You are bringing home medals, new records and numerous personal best achievements, but more than that you are returning with amazing memories and masses of new experience. You have all shown the world what our unwavering South African spirit looks like.
Team SA sponsor, the Bidvest Group, extends a heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes who have represented our nation – your achievements on the global stage have kept us absorbed, and your dedication to sport and our country is truly inspiring. We have been glued to our television screens throughout the Games, as we cheered enthusiastically for every one of you.
While most of the notable performances are too many to mention, the medals won, African and South African records broken, and the many personal best achievements were certainly a feature of these Olympics.
In the pool, swimmer Tatjana Smith won a gold and silver medal, while Pieter Coetzee, Rebecca Meder, and Kaylene Corbett also achieved outstanding results. Canoeists and rowers, Esti Olivier, Tiffany Koch, Paige Badenhorst, Hamish Lovemore, Andrew Birkett, Christopher Baxter and John Smith all did well. In the women’s 3m springboard diving event, Julia Vincent, impressed in the final event.
Team South Africa’s quartet of Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine were excellent in winning the men’s 4 x 100m relay silver medal, and Akani set a new South African record in the 100m final. The 4 x 400m relay team of Gardeo Isaacs, Zakithi Nene, Lythe Pillay and Antonie Nortje performed well in final, setting a new South African record. Good performances on the track also came from Prudence Sekgodiso who reached the 800m final and others that did well included Elroy Gelant, Adriaan Wildschutt, Marion Fourie, Zeney Geldenhuys, Edmund du Plessis, Miranda Coetzee, Rogail Joseph, Benjamin Richardson and Tshepo Tshite.
Jo-Ane van Dyk delivered a superb performance in the final to win the javelin silver medal, and Brian Raats was right up there with the best high jumpers in the world. In the men’s freestyle 97kg wrestling event, Nicholas Johannes de Lange, narrowly missed competing for the bronze medal.
We are also extremely proud of Alan Hatherly following his bronze medal win in the cycling, mountain bike, event and in the BMX freestyle, Vincent Leygonie, delivered a personal best score. In the sport climbing event, Aniya Holder achieved a personal best time, and golfer Ashleigh Buhai played well, with a credible final score.
Another bronze medal win went to the men’s rugby sevens team who managed a tight win against Australia in the 3rd/4th place play-off match. Well done team, this was an excellent performance.
From the medallists to all those who narrowly missed out on the podium, every member of Team SA has shown the world what it means to be a true champion. To those athletes who wanted to perform better, your remarkable efforts have not gone unnoticed. Being selected to compete is an enormous achievement in itself, a testament to your tireless dedication and commitment to your sport and Team SA.
Beyond the medals and these brilliant achievements, it is the sheer resilience and sportsmanship of the entire South African contingent that truly captivated the audience proudly watching from home.
As all athletes head home from Paris, the journey is far from over. The path ahead is filled with new challenges, new competitions, and new opportunities to shine. Rest assured, Bidvest will be there every step of the way, supporting and cheering you as your inspiring journey continues.
Congratulations Team SA – you have made us incredibly proud!
Next up to shine are our inspiring Paralympic athletes – we are filled with immense excitement and eagerly await your performances on the world stage. South Africans will remain glued to their screens, cheering loudly as you showcase talents and push the boundaries of what is possible. We wish you the very best of luck and we know you will continue to inspire the nation and the world with your exceptional achievements. Go out there and give your all! We are behind you all the way.