Here are the Newsmakers in the #GAL2024’s First Intake

We kick off 2024 with the first intake for the gsport Annual List – #GAL2024 – with ten of the best athletic performances, whether by a team or by an individual, drawn from news reports in the gsport Newsroom for the months of November and December 2023.

Prepare to be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of South African sporting brilliance in this month’s intake. From the poolside prowess of our junior swimmers to the record-breaking marathon feet of Gerda Steyn, every story overflows with achievements that will leave you cheering.

This selection of 10 top newsmaker stories includes Ashleigh Buhai’s steely nerves as she defended her Australian Open title, the historic fourth Coach of the Year award for Banyana Banyana’s Desiree Ellis, and the Olympic qualification of Esti Olivier and Helen Jansen van Vuuren. Buckle up for the thrilling upset by Kgothatso Montjane and Yui Kamiji, and marvel at Kirsten Neuschäfer’s history-making solo victory in the Golden Globe Race.

This month’s spotlight shines bright on Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who have claimed their second CAF Champions League title, and on Judo champions Michaela Whitebooi and Charne Griesel, who are climbing the world rankings with their eyes fixed on Paris 2024. And let’s not forget the record-breaking partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, rewriting the Proteas Women’s ODI history books!

So, settle in, grab a cup of something celebratory, and dive into this month’s exhilarating journey through South African sporting glory. You won’t be disappointed!

WATCH GSPORT’S #SHORT ANNOUNCING THESE NEWSMAKERS ON YOUTUBE 

SA JUNIOR WOMEN’S AQUATICS

South Africa Junior Women Dominate the 15th Africa Aquatics Junior Swimming Champs

Dominate 15th Africa Aquatics Junior Swimming Champs

ASHLEIGH BUHAI

Nerves of Steel as Ashleigh Buhai Defends Her Australian Open Title in Sydney on Sunday

Defends Her Australian Open Title in Sydney

DESIREE ELLIS

Desiree Ellis Wins Fourth Consecutive CAF Coach of the Year Award

Wins Fourth Consecutive CAF Coach of the Year Award

SA CANOEISTS 

SA Canoeists Esti Olivier and Helen Jansen van Vuuren book their ticket to Paris 2024

Esti Olivier and Helen Jansen van Vuuren Book Paris 2024 Berths

GERDA STEYN

Gerda Steyn Breaks SA Marathon Record in Valencia in an Olympic Qualifying Time

Breaks SA Marathon Record In Olympic Qualifying Time

SOUTH AFRICAN JUDOKAS

World Rankings Boost for Michaela Whitebooi and Charne Griesel at Africa Judo Open in Cameroon

Michaela Whitebooi and Charne Griesel Earn Gold at Africa Judo Open

KGOTHATSO MONTJANE

‘Gratitude All Round’ as Montjane-Kamiji Lift Doubles Masters Title

Lifts Barcelona Doubles Masters Title with Yui Kamiji

KIRSTEN NEUSCHÄFER

Kirsten Neuschäfer is the 2023 Female World Sailor of the Year

Is the 2023 Female World Sailor of the Year

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LADIES

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Dominate SC Casablanca for Second CAF Women’s Champions League Title

Win Second CAF Women’s Champs League Title

SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN

South Africa Secure Historic 2-1 ODI Series Win over Bangladesh

Secure Historic 2-1 ODI Series Win over Bangladesh