The great part about the Olympic Games is that you never really can predict what’s in store. One moment an athlete could be smashing it, and the next moment they could find themselves right at the back of the line. Either way, we’re here for all the excitement!
- For the fifth time in the last eight Olympics, it was a breaststroke swimmer who delivered South Africa’s first medal at the Games after Schoenmaker swam to victory to claim a silver medal in women’s 100m breaststroke.
- What came as a shock to many South Africans was Buitendag’s announcement that she will be retiring at the age of 27 after winning Team SA’s second medal.
- Chad le Clos won the first men’s 200m butterfly semi-final in 1:55.06 to qualify for the final as he set his eye on bringing a medal home. Unfortunately, he failed to reach the Olympic podium, grabbing fifth place in the men’s 200m butterfly final on Wednesday, July 28. He was eliminated from Tokyo Olympics after he finished sixth in the men’s 100m butterfly heats on Thursday, July 29.
- In the Men’s hockey, Pool B, South Africa put on a spirited performance against Belgium. The final result was 9 to Belgium and 4 to SA.
- In the Rugby sevens, Pool C, South Africa 17 United States 12 – SA topped their pool after winning all three games.
- Men’s Rugby sevens quarter finals: South Africa 14, Argentina 19.
- Men’s Waterpolo result: Group A: South Africa 3, United States 20
- The Springbok Sevens team finished in fifth place at the 2020 Olympic Games after winning both their matches on Wednesday, and Blitzbok coach Neil Powell, who joined the side for their final encounter, felt they managed to restore some pride after the heart-breaking quarter-final defeat.
- Kaylene Corbett won her race in the women’s 200m breaststroke semi-finals and advanced to the final at the Tokyo Olympics where she claimed the fifth spot.
- Swimming sensation Schoenmaker did not only set a new Olympic world record but won South Africa’s first gold medal as she dominated the women’s 200m breaststroke final on Friday, July 30.
Meanwhile…
- Japan’s Naomi Osaka suffered a 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova in the third round of the Tokyo Games on Tuesday, crushing her dreams of winning Olympic gold.
- Simone Biles dropped out of the women’s gymnastics team final after a disappointing opening vault, saying that she had to focus on her mental health.
There’s so much more action in store so stay tuned!
Also read:
Tatjana Schoenmaker secures SA’s first gold medal in Tokyo
Picture: Pixabay