50 sleeps until the Olympics in Paris, 82 until the Paralympics.
Just over seven weeks until the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris. It feels like there is still time, but equally, things are happening quickly and urgently. We know who some of the members of #TeamSA are, and we know that the squad will be cool and comfy in Mr Price Elite kit. But so much of the story is yet to be written.
It's easy to get swept away in the moment and the joy of watching the team take their places, but it's difficult to express the emotions in the room. For some, this feels like their last chance; for others, potentially their first and only. Unlike in most cycles, the last Olympics wasn’t four years ago but three, and it was under heavy restrictions. Every iteration is different, but this one is quite the shift from the last.
In some events, the country enjoys a historic presence and notable success over the years, such as the women’s 200-metre breaststroke with Penny Heyns winning gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and Tatjana Schoenmaker doing the same at the 2020 Tokyo Games. In contrast, Nicholas Steyn is the first South African in 16 years to compete in wrestling, an event in which South Africa has never medalled.
Funding has increased—not to the level that may be required, but progress has been made. We have always had local talent, but in recent times we have had markedly more locally trained talent that competes credibly at the highest levels. Although there are still opportunities to study and train abroad, it is no longer the only option.
More than that, South Africans are competing in global leagues. We've got relay teams strong enough to qualify for the Games – that wasn't always a given! We're not just unearthing rare talents; we're building whole cohorts.
I'm excited, almost giddy. We talk a lot about hope in South Africa, especially in the context of sport. In 50 days (and 82 for the Paralympics), Team SA won't just bring a fresh dose of hope, they'll be living proof of it. They're the product of dreams, relentless work, and a whole nation united behind them. Personally, I can't wait.
#ForMyCountry
With 50 days to go until the Opening Ceremony, the world is gearing up for an unforgettable Olympic Games #Paris2024
From Novak Djokovic and Janja Garnbret to local stars Rudy Gobert and Kevin Mayer, many big names in sport are sharing their excitement for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France.
See you in Paris on 26 July!
Mechanical Engineering Manager@ Haier Egypt 🇪🇬
2moHaier is the track not on it 🫶💪💪