As the 2016 throwback trend takes over, South Africa’s unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic moments remind us why Rio remains a golden chapter.
South Africa (25 January 2026) – Feels like just yesterday, Team South Africa was lighting up Rio! The 2016 Olympics and Paralympics were nothing short of iconic, with South Africa bringing home a whopping 27 medals across both Games.
On the Olympic stage, legends like Wayde van Niekerk stunned the world by smashing the 400m world record, while Caster Semenya made the 800m her domain, taking gold in unbeatable fashion. Chad le Clos added two silvers in the pool to his growing legacy, and Luvo Manyonga soared to a Silver in the Long Jump. The Blitzboks made a memorable debut in Rugby Sevens, securing Bronze, while Kevin Paul made history with South Africa’s first Paralympic gold in the Breaststroke.
Over in the Paralympics, Charl du Toit claimed two Golds, breaking a world record in the process, Ntando Mahlangu sprinted to Silver and announced himself to the world, Henri Schoeman grabbed a shock Bronze in the Triathlon, and Ernst van Dyk powered his way to Gold in the Road Race. Hilton Langenhoven dazzled with Gold in the Long Jump and Silver in the 200m, while Ilse Hayes sprinted to double Silver in the 100m and 400m.
Rio 2016 was about records falling and the emergence of new names. These performances still hold weight nearly a decade later.
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Sources: Team South Africa
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