In a space of two days the South African flag was raised and the National Anthem was played four times as the 2022 Commonwealth Games celebrated South Africa’s four gold medalists in Birmingham and we’re simply reigning the medals in as each game day goes by.
South Africa has been making a rapid climb up the medal table since teenage swimming sensations Lara van Niekerk and Pieter Coetzé kicked things off with two gold medals on Saturday.
Also read: Commonwealth Games day 2: SA already claims its first gold medals for 2022
Chad le Clos’ silver medal in the 200 metre butterfly makes him the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete in history with a record of 18 medals accumulated over four Commonwealth Games since 2010.
Men’s 200m BUTTERFLY |Chad Le Clos | Silver Medal#TeamSA pic.twitter.com/tlnhjP7tY0
— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2024) July 31, 2022
The Blitzboks – South African Rugby 7s Team – made sure they returned to the top of the podium at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, after having missed out on the medals four years ago.
The South Africans comfortably beat Australia in their semi-final on Sunday and then defeated two-time Olympic champions Fiji in the final to secure gold with a score of 31-7.
? The Blitzboks left their best for last to claim the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham – this is how they did it: https://t.co/WfLo3eahJ4@TeamSA2024 #BestOfUs pic.twitter.com/aNIvpZeXHj
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) July 31, 2022
Olympic champion swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker cruised to victory during the 200 metre breaststroke, adding another gold in the pool. During the same race, fellow South African, Kaylene Corbett, also claimed the bronze medal.
Gold?and bronze ?for #TeamSA swimmers – halala! ??????@TRSchoenmaker and @kaylenecorbett, you brought joy to our hearts❤️❤️.#B2022 #B2022Swimming #TeamSA @SwimSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/YEfvyBty5m
— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2024) July 31, 2022
Most recently, South African gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz made history on Monday during the women’s uneven bars final as she captured bronze. She started off strong, scoring 13.433 and sealed South Africa’s first bronze on the uneven bars in Commonwealth Games history.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing…
That proud moment when they call out your name on the podium to receive your medal – Halala!
Congrats, Caitlin – BRONZE in #B2022Gymanstics Uneven Bars. #TeamSA #B2022 #CommonwealthGames pic.twitter.com/4FubNnm4oo
— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2024) August 1, 2022
Most recently, Michaela Whitebooi advanced to the final against India’s 2014 Commonwealth silver medallist Shushila Likmabam. In a tension-filled bout that went into extra time, she managed to secure her victory to take the gold.
‘Please stand up for the national anthem of South Africa!’
Great job, Michaela Witbooi – #B2022 Judo 48kg champion – halala.
Take a bow, Mzansi! #TeamSA pic.twitter.com/ZNTogbdBSt
— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2024) August 1, 2022
Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture extended his heartfelt felicitations at the medalists, expressing that they have brought glory to the nation.
“We are especially thrilled with this rugby result considering South Africa will very soon be welcoming the world this year to the Rugby World Cup Sevens, being hosted in Cape Town from 9-11 September 2022 followed by the 2023 Netball World Cup which will be held next July at the Cape Town Convention Centre,” said Mthethwa.
“We look forward to many more phenomenal medal-winning performances from Team South Africa in Birmingham in the week ahead.”
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Picture: @TeamSA2024 / Twitter