With South Africa having doubled its tally of medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has set his sights on providing financial support to athletes who aspire to participate in the 2028 Olympics.
Addressing a media briefing welcoming the return of team South Africa at the OR Tambo International Airport, the Minister committed to taking 300 athletes to the 2028 Olympic Games taking place in Los Angeles, United States.
“I can promise the nation that come 2028, the athletes will get [financial] assistance. This is a massive opportunity for our country to showcase the best of our athletes. The road to Los Angeles starts now at school sports and community sports,” McKenzie said on Tuesday.
He said he was ecstatic about the performance of team South Africa at the Olympics.
“They have doubled their tally. They got three medals in Toyko, in Paris we [were] standing on six medals. They have done very well under trying circumstances.
“We must invest money in our athletes. We are going to make sure that money goes to the right people. As the sports Minister, I am very proud of what our athletes have achieved in Paris,” McKenzie said.
Swimmer Tatjana Smith, who the Minister described as “our most decorated Olympian” and members of the athletics relay team, returned home to a hero's welcome this morning, after winning medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With her recent achievements, Smith has become the greatest Olympian produced by the country, with two gold medals and two silver medals in breaststroke swimming.
South Africa also secured a historic silver medal in the 4×100 meters relay, with the team comprising Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi, and Akani Simbine.
“Smith is the most decorated athlete that we have ever produced as a country. You have not only achieved on the field, but you have also achieved off the field. We as a country are proud of you. You have shown us what is possible. We are a sporting nation. You have brought this country together. You are one of the greatest heroes that this country has ever had,” the Minister said.
Sharing experiences
Smith announced her retirement at the Paris Olympics. However, she has offered to share her experience with other swimmers.
“I am happy to engage with athletes and give my perspective on the sport. We can learn from each other. I am happy to inspire. I am available if you want to bounce [off] some ideas. I am willing to help and be there,” she said.
Smith said knowing that this was the last time she gets to wear the country’s colours was a bitter pill to swallow.
“It’s been 22 years since I have been swimming. It’s going to be a whole lifestyle change. I am also giving myself space to figure out what I can do. It was a bitter sweet moment when I made the decision to retire. Going into Paris, I wasn’t planning on retiring. It happened during the competition. I felt a lot of peace knowing that it’s okay.
“Sometimes we don’t want to let go because we are unsure of what the future looks like. I just had peace that I need to trust God in this and the He will provide. It is a bitter pill to swallow that I am finished. This is the last time I will be wearing the green and gold colours,” she said.
The swimmer said while competing in sports comes with a lot of challenges, she managed to overcome them.
“Sport is expensive, and the cost of living is expensive. You need financial backing to compete at international levels. Representing my country has had its challenges but we still rise above them. We need to get more people and more representation into sports. It’s important,” she said. -SAnews.gov.za
