South Africa’s men’s 4x100m relay team secured a historic silver medal and set a new African record at the Paris Olympics, showcasing their champion spirit.
Paris, France (10 August 2024) – When it comes to the Olympic spirit, every South African athlete embodies the heart of a champion. They train relentlessly, push past their limits, and leave it all on the track, field, or in the pool. And on a thrilling Friday night in Paris, our nation witnessed yet another moment of greatness that made every South African beam with pride.
South Africa’s men’s 4x100m relay team stormed to a silver medal, setting an African record with a blazing time of 37.57 seconds.
The quartet, comprising Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, and the young talents Bradley Nkoana and Bayanda Walaza, delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. In the final leg of the race, Simbine—who had narrowly missed out on a medal in the 100m final just days earlier—unleashed a burst of speed that left fans breathless. Passing the other teams in an electrifying sprint, Simbine’s anchor leg was clocked at a staggering 8.78 seconds, sealing the silver medal for South Africa and setting a new African record. This incredible achievement also marked South Africa’s first-ever Olympic medal in this event, a historic moment for our country,
Canada claimed the gold with a time of 37.50 seconds, while Great Britain took home the bronze in 37.61 seconds. But the South African team’s performance, particularly Simbine’s heroic final leg, was the highlight of the night.
“I’m thrilled that we came out here, ran our hearts out, and earned an Olympic silver medal, topped off with an African record,” said an elated Simbine. “For me, it’s finally a major championship medal, and I’m hungrier than ever. I’m excited, proud of the guys, and proud of our country.”
This silver medal adds to South Africa’s growing medal tally at these Olympics, bringing the total to five. The Rugby Sevens team kicked things off with a bronze on the 27th of July, followed by Alan Hatherly’s bronze in the Men’s Cross Country Mountain Bike on the 29th. Tatjana Smith has been a standout, claiming a gold in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke and a silver in the Women’s 200m Breaststroke. And now, the men’s 4x100m relay team has added another glittering silver to the collection.
As we celebrate this monumental achievement, the excitement continues with the men’s 4x400m final tonight. Who knows what more our South African stars have in store for us?
One thing is certain—our Olympians are showing the world what it means to be champions. Every medal, every record, every race run with passion and pride, brings us closer together as a nation. Here’s to the spirit of unity, to breaking records, and to the silver that shines as brightly as gold!
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