With a total of 10 medals (2 gold, 6 silver, and 2 bronze), South Africa had its most successful Olympics since being readmitted in 1992. Additionally, it met the possible medal goal SASCOC established for the Games.
Four of these medals went to the track and field athletes, including the two golds won by Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk, who both ran faster than the previous 400-meter world record by 16 seconds. South Africa also had exceptional success in team sports, as evidenced by the men’s rugby sevens team’s historic bronze medal victory over Japan, also known locally as the “Blitzboks” team.
Luvo Manyonga, who overcame drug addiction to place second in the men’s long jump, cancer survivor Lawrence Brittain, who won silver in the men’s rowing pair event with veteran partner Shaun Keeling, and Henri Schoeman, who stunned the field by winning South Africa’s first-ever triathlon medal with a bronze in the men’s race, were among the medalists. Chad le Clos, who won four medals (one gold and three silver) over two Games, became South Africa’s all-time most decorated Olympian. Meanwhile, Sunette Viljoen bounced back from a disappointing 2012 performance to reach the Olympic podium at her fourth Games, taking home a silver in the women’s javelin throw.
What has South Africa won in the Olympics?
In total, 31 South African competitors have taken home gold medals from the Olympics, including 27 golds for South Africa. 33 silver medals have been won by South Africa at the Olympics, bringing the country’s total number of silver medal winners to 43.
Only one medal was won by South Africa at which Olympic Games?
In Stockholm, Sweden for the 1912 Summer Olympics, the Union of South Africa participated.
Who has won the most Olympic medals for South Africa?
Le Clos, Chad
Chad Le Clos, the four-medal winner who holds the record for most medals won by a South African in an Olympics, made history in the 200m butterfly at London 2012. Four years later, in a breathtaking 100m butterfly final in Rio, he shared the silver medal with the American legend.
Can South Africa successfully host the Olympics?
South Africa may not be too far off from hosting the Olympics, but it won’t be a simple process. South Africa just lost the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games when its reduced budget was rejected. Even though there are several obstacles to overcome, they are certain that the Games will eventually be held there.
