The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has announced the first group of athletes who will represent the country at the Paris Olympics.
The initial squad of 39 athletes was revealed at Olympic House in Melrose on Wednesday, following the completion of qualifying deadlines in several sports.
Fifteen of the announced athletes have previously represented South Africa at the Olympic Games. South Africa plans to compete in 17 of the 32 Olympic sports, with more athletes still having the opportunity to qualify before the Games begin on 26 July.
Reigning Olympic champion Tatjana Schoenmaker, now Tatjana Smith, aims to defend her 200m breaststroke title in Paris, leading a strong aquatics team that includes South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Chad le Clos, and medal hopeful Pieter Coetze.
2016 Rio gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk has recovered from injury and will make his third Olympic appearance. He will be joined by medal prospect Akani Simbine, along with athletes Benjamin Richardson, Stephen Mokoka, and Gerda Steyn.
Team South Africa had a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, bringing home only three medals. Tatjana Smith won a gold and a silver, and surfer Bianca Buitendag claimed a silver.
Sascoc President Barry Hendricks also announced the financial incentives for Olympic medal winners in Paris:
– Gold: R400,000 (R100,000 for the coach)
– Silver: R200,000 (R50,000 for the coach)
– Bronze: R75,000 (R25,000 for the coach)
Team SA Olympic squad so far:
Athletics: Stephen Mokoka, Gerda Steyn, Irvette van Zyl, Cian Oldknow, Akani Simbine, Benjamin Richardson, Luxolo Adams, Wayde van Niekerk, Lythe Pillay, Zakithi Nene, Tshep Tshite, Adriaan Wildschutt, Marione Fourie, Zeney Geldenhuys, Rogail Josephs, Jovan van Vuuren, Prudence Sekgodiso
Sport Climbing: Aniya Holder, Joshua Bruyns, Lauren Mukheibir, Mel Janse van Rensburg
Gymnastics: Caitlin Rooskrantz
Aquatics: Pieter Coetze, Chad le Clos, Matthew Sates, Aimee Canny, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Kaylene Corbett, Erin Gallagher, Rebecca Meder, Julia Vincent (diving)
Canoeing: Tiffany Koch, Esti Olivier, Hamish Lovemore, Andrew Birkett
Surfing: Jordy Smith, Matthew McGillivray, Sarah Ann Baum
Wrestling: Steyn de Lange.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Tatjana Smith.
Image source: Tatjana Smith/Instagram
