A strong group of South Africans have been chosen to represent the country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan on July 23 and will take part in 17 of the 33 sports at this year’s Games. According to Goodthingsguy, some competitions, such as the football and softball is set to start two days before the opening ceremony.
Organisers of the Games decided to host the event without the heartwarming cheers of spectators in light of the highly infectious Delta variant spreading through Japan. Even though the absence of spectators might impact the overall atmosphere, Team SA is is still bringing everything they’ve got – so watch out world, because our country is a force to be reckoned with!
Sports skateboarding and sport climbing has certainly piqued the interest of enthusiastic (and highly talented) South Africans, so this is a treat to look out for.
Amongst those participating includes Irvette van Zyl, Wayde van Niekerk, Johan Spies, Akani Simbine and Chad le Los. The 29-year-old Le Clos bagged four medals since – three silver and one gold. He left his mark on American swimming icon Michael Phelps in the 200m butterfly final in 2012 after claiming the gold medal and will be representing the country for the third year.
Keep your eyes peeled to the screen when cycling sensation, Nic Dlamini, speeds through. The 25-year-old Dlamini, who comes from humble beginnings and stems from Cape Town’s informal settlement will represent South Africa in the men’s road cycling at the Games. He made history as the first black South African to compete at the Tour de France.
SASCOC Acting CEO, Ravi Govender said: “The four years lengthened further by the postponement of the Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for our athletes.
“It therefore gives me great joy and a sense of national pride to be part of this moment as we celebrate the achievements of our athletes in qualifying to represent our nation as Team SA at the Tokyo Olympics. We call upon our entire nation to support our athletes as they give off their best at these prestigious games to bring us honour.”
The action will wind down to a close on August 8 with the Closing Ceremony, Goodthingsguy adds.
As Team SA outlines, here is the final squad to represent South Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics:
Athletics:
Men: Akani Simbine, Clarence Munyai, Antonio Alkana, Cheswill Johnson, Ruswahl Samaai, Rocco van Rooyen, Jason van Rooyen, Stephen Mokoka, Desmond Mokgobu, Elroy Gelant, Wayne Snyman, Kyle Blignaut, Marc Mundell, Wayde van Niekerk, Gift Leotlela, Shaun Maswanganyi, Anaso Jobodwana, Thapelo Phora, Sokwakhana Zazini, Lebogang Shange, Shaun Maswanganyi, Galaletsang Ramorwa, Chederick van Wyk, Pieter Conradie, Ranto Dikgale, Oscar Mavundla, Derrick Mokaleng, Zakhiti Nene, Lythe Pillay, Precious Mashele
Women: Wenda Nel, Dominique Scott, Gerda Steyn, Irvette van Zyl, Jo-Ane van Dyk
Aquatics:
Swimming
Men: Ethan du Preez, Chad le Clos, Pieter Coetze, Bradley Tandy, Michael Houlie, Matthew Sates, Martin Binedell
Women: Tatjana Schoenmaker, Kaylene Corbett, Emma Chelius, Erin Gallagher, Rebecca Meder, Dune Coetzee, Mariella Venter, Aimee Canny
Diving and Open Water Swimming
Men: Michael Mcglynn
Women: Michelle Weber, Julia Vincent and Micaela Bouter
Artistic swimming
Laura Strugnell, Clarissa Johnston
Climbing:
Erin Sterkenburg and Chris Cosser
Cycling:
Johan Spies, Charlene du Preez, David Maree, Stefan De Bod, Ryan Gibbons, Nicholas Dlamini, Ashleigh Pasio-Moolman, Carla Oberholzer, Alan Hatherly, Candice Lill and Alex Limberg
Gymnastics:
Caitlin Rooskrantz, Naveen Daries
Equestrian:
Tanya Seymour, Victoria Legendre-Scott
Football (Men):
Ronwen Williams, Mondli Mpoto, Sifiso Mlungwana, Tercious Malepe, Luke Fleurs, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Abbubaker Mobara, Thabiso Monyane, Katlego Mohamme, Teboho Mokoena, Thabo Cele, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Sipho Mbule, Goodman Mosele, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Fagrie Lakay, Luther Singh, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster and Kobamelo Kodisang.
Golf:
Garrick Higgo and Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Ashleigh Buhai
Women’s Hockey:
Quanita Bobbs, Erin Christie, Lisa Deetlefs, Lilian du Plessis, Nicole Erasmus, Tarryn Glasby, Robyn Johnson, Charne Maddocks, Lerato Mahole, Phumelela Mbande, Edith Molikoe, Kristen Paton, Tarryn Potts, Celia Seerane, Nomnikelo Veto and Onthatile Zulu
Men’s Hockey:
Rassie Pieterse, Timothy Drummond, Austin Smith, Mohamed Mea, Matthew Guise-Brown, Jethro Eustice, Nduduzo Lembethe, Taine Paton, Nicholas Spooner, Clinton Panther, Samkelo Mvimbi, Abdud Cassiem, Mustaphaa Cassiem, Nqobile Ntuli, Keenan Horne and Tevin Kok
Judo:
Geronay Whitebooi
Rugby Sevens (Men):
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Angelo Davids, Zain Davids, Selvyn Davids, Chris Dry, Branco du Preez, Ronald Brown, Stedman Gans, Justin Geduld, Sakoyisa Makata, JC Pretorius, Siviwe Soyizwapi (capt), Impi Visser
Rowing:
Lawrence Brittain, John Smith, Sandro Torrento, Kyle Schoonbee, Jake Green, Luc Daffarn
Sailing:
Alex Burger, Benjamin Daniel, Leo Davis
Skateboarding:
Melissa Williams, Andre Oberholzer, Boipelo Awuah, Brandon Valjalo
Surfing:
Bianca Buitendag
Triathlon:
Gillian Sanders, Henri Schoeman, Simone Ackermann, Richard Murray
Women’s Waterpolo:
Amica Hallenndorff, Shakira January, Meghan Maartens, Chloe Meecham, Georgie Moir, Boati Motau, Hannah Muller, Daniela Passoni, Megan Sileno, Ashleigh Vaughn, Jordan Wedderburn, Kelsey White. Reserve: Yanah Gerber
Men’s Waterpolo:
Ignardus Badenhorst, Devon Card, Jason Evezard, Cameron Laurenson, Lwzi Madi, Farouk Mayman, Yaseen Margro, Liam Neill, Roarke Olver, Nicholas Rodda, Donn Stewart, Ross Stone. Reserve: Gareth May
Also read: Rooting from the sidelines of comfort: Where to watch the Olympics this year
Rooting from the sidelines of comfort: Where to watch the Olympics this year
Picture: Unsplash
