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A look into events South Africa can expect to deliver gold medals after Tatjana Smith delivered gold in the 100m women's breaststroke event.
South Africa has already made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with Tatjana Smith clinching the first gold medal for an African nation in the women's 100m breaststroke.
This victory not only boosts the nation’s morale but also sets the stage for South Africa to capitalize on its athletic potential and improve upon the somewhat disappointing Tokyo 2020 performance.
With hopes high and several promising athletes, here are the events where South Africa could possibly strike gold in Paris.
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16:34 - 29.07.2024
Ato Boldon reveals why he does not fancy African sprinters to do well at the at Paris Olympic Games
The four-time Olympic medallist revealed why he has lost faith in African sprinters, ruling out all of them in his prediction for podium finishers in the men's 100m final at the Olympic Games.
1. Tatjana Smith -Women’s 200m breaststroke
Tatjana Smith is South Africa's golden girl in swimming, and after her stellar performance in the 100m breaststroke, she is a favorite for gold in the 200m breaststroke.
Smith broke the world record in this event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a time of 2:18.95, and although that record was surpassed by Russia's Evgeniia Chikunova in 2023, Chikunova's absence in Paris due to the Olympic ban on Russian athletes opens up the field.
Smith's primary competition is likely to come from America's Kate Douglass, but Smith's experience and recent form could see her secure another gold.
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12:48 - 26.07.2024
Ferdinand Omanyala envisions history teaming up with Letsile Tebogo, Akani Simbine at Paris Olympics
Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala is chasing history at the Olympic Games alongside his African brothers Akani Simbine and Letsile Tebogo.
2. Akani Simbine - Men’s 100m sprint
3. Men’s 100m
Akani Simbine is South Africa's sprinting hope, having consistently run under 10 seconds this season.
His 9.86-second sprint just two weeks before the Games ranks among the top times this year. Although the competition is fierce, Simbine’s experience and speed could land him on the podium, perhaps even with a gold medal if the conditions favor him.
Given there is no favorite for the event so far, Simbine could finally go from being a near-man to one who finally delivers a first ever gold medal by an African at the event.
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06:31 - 22.07.2024
Ferdinand Omanyala's track rival reflects on past triumphs as he prepares for Paris 2024 Olympics
The South African sprinter has reflected on past achievements and prepares for a major comeback at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
3. Men’s 4 by 100m relay
South Africa’s 4x100m relay team, featuring Akani Simbine, Benjamin Richardson, and potentially Shaun Maswanganyi and Wayde van Niekerk, is formidable.
Simbine and Richardson have both run under 10 seconds this year, and with a strong supporting cast, this team could challenge for gold. The relay event is often unpredictable, and a clean run by the South Africans could see them standing atop the podium.
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16:47 - 30.07.2024
Justin Gatlin jumps to Ferdinand Omanyala's defence over claims he only records fast times in Kenya
The American sprint icon has jumped to Omanyala's defence amidst claims he only runs fast while in Kenya.
4. Men’s 4 by 400m relay
The 4x400m relay team, with Lythe Pillay, Wayde van Niekerk, and Zakithi Nene, looks strong after claiming silver at the World Relay Championships earlier this year.
With Van Niekerk’s experience and Pillay’s emerging talent, the team has the potential to challenge for gold in Paris, provided they can maintain their form and avoid injuries.
As South Africa looks to build on its early success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, these events represent the best opportunities for the nation to secure more gold medals and solidify its standing on the world stage. Whether in the pool, on the track, or in the surf, South African athletes are ready to shine.
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