The initial Team South Africa squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics has been announced. With 39 members spanning seven codes, a formidable contingent of 19 women athletes is poised to make their mark on the global stage.
Leading the charge is champion swimmer Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker), whose remarkable feats at Tokyo 2020 solidify her status as a force in the pool. With a gold medal in the women’s 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke, Smith is set to showcase her talent once again on the world stage.
Joining her are marathon runners Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl. Steyn, who finished 15th in Tokyo 2020, has since shattered the South African record, establishing herself as one of the world’s finest ultra-marathoners. Van Zyl, attending her third Olympics, brings invaluable experience and tenacity to the team.
Adding to the lineup is hurdler Rogail Joseph, whose stellar performance at the recent African Games in Ghana earned her a gold medal and a ticket to her first Olympic appearance. Joseph’s inclusion underscores South Africa’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
In gymnastics, artistic gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz showcases her exceptional skill and artistry, representing the growing prominence of South African gymnastics on the international scene.
In canoeing, Tiffany Koch and Esti Olivier demonstrate their prowess in kayak sprinting, embodying the spirit of teamwork and resilience as they prepare to compete against the world’s best.
In sport climbing, Aniya Holder and Lauren Mubheiber showcase their agility and strength, representing the emerging talent in this exhilarating discipline.
Surfer Sarah Ann Baum adds her name to the roster, showcasing the country’s rich surfing heritage and talent, and looking to follow in the footsteps of Bianca Buitendag, who won a historic silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
SASCOC also revealed the financial incentives available to all medalists from both the Olympics and Paralympics. Athletes who win gold will be awarded R400,000, with the coach receiving R100,000. Silver medalists will earn R200,000 and R50,000, while the bronze medal payouts will be R75,000 and R25,000 for the athlete and coach, respectively.
Nozipho Jafta, CEO of SASCOC, echoed the sentiment of celebration, stating, “We’re at a hugely exciting stage of our preparations for Paris. There are now only 72 days to go until the start of the Games and these athletes have so much to look forward to.” Her words reflect the excitement and anticipation surrounding Team SA’s journey to Paris 2024.
The second squad announcement will be made in June as there are a number of Federations and codes that are either finalising their squads or still in the process of a qualifying competition.
Women Athletes in Team SA: Provisional Olympic Squad
Tatjana Smith (Swimming)
Aimee Canny (Swimming)
Kaylene Corbett (Swimming)
Erin Gallagher (Swimming)
Rebecca Meder (Swimming)
Julia Vincent (Diving)
Caitlin Rooskrantz (Gymnastics – Artistic)
Aniya Holder (Sport Climbing – Speed Climbing)
Lauren Mubheiber (Sport Climbing – Lead & Boulder)
Sarah Ann Baum (Surfing)
Marione Fourie (Athletics – 100mH)
Zeney Geldenhuys (Athletics – 400mH)
Rogain Joseph (Athletics – 400mH)
Cian Oldknow (Athletics – Marathon)
Prudence Sekgodiso (Athletics – 800m)
Gerda Steyn (Athletics – Marathon)
Irvette van Zyl (Athletics – Marathon)
Tiffany Koch (Canoeing – Kayak Sprint)
Esti Olivier (Canoeing – Kayak Sprint)
Original Copy: SASCOC, with editing by gsport
Photo Caption: The initial Team South Africa squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics has been announced, with a formidable contingent of 19 women athletes poised to make their mark on the global stage. Photo: Supplied
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