South Africa will go into their fifth Olympic Games since their return from sporting isolation with their medal hopes once again pinned on their swimmers and track and field athletes.
Since their Olympic ban, imposed in 1964 because of South Africa’s apartheid regime, was lifted by the International Olympic Committee and they were allowed to compete in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, South Africa has won just 18 medals in total.
Of those, 16 have come in athletics and swimming, with the two codes accounting for eight medals each.
Rowing, at Athens in 2004, and tennis, in Barcelona, have provided the Rainbow Nation with one apiece.
Nothing is ever certain in South African sport, where politics plays such a large role.
Swimming South Africa were hit by a funding crisis in May, while a parliamentary committee on sport criticized the racial make-up of the men’s hockey team.
There is similar uncertainty when predicting the medal prospects of the country’s Olympic team for Beijing, which, with 225 members is the biggest yet sent to the Games by South Africa.
Roland Schoeman, who won three medals in the pool in Athens, is expected to lead the charge for medals in China.
Suzaan van Biljon is considered a medal chance in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, as is Gerhard Zandberg in the 50m backstroke.
Natalie du Toit, who had her left leg amputated in a traffic accident in 2001, became the first athlete to be named in a nation’s Olympic and Paralympic teams.
Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, who took silver in the 800m in Athens, is the brightest South African prospect on the track.
South Africa also has a surprisingly large canoeing team.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely