By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Several South African athletes will be in action before what promises to be a spectacular opening ceremony kicks off the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris this Friday.
We take a look at some of the South Africans to look out for as the world’s attention turns to the French capital for two weeks of exceptional sporting entertainment.
London gold medallist John Smith will be competing at his fourth Olympic Games and has redemption on his mind. From the highs of London and topping the podium with the lightweight four, Smith finished fourth in Rio and then endured a disastrous campaign in Tokyo, finishing nowhere near the podium. This time he’s teamed up with Chris Baxter in the heavyweight pair and is eager to finish off his career in style.While the men’s Sevens team will begin their medal quest on Wednesday.
Caption: John Smith – Rowing Gold Medalist from London. He will be competing in his fourth Olympic Games. Mens pair Competition starts on Monday, 29 July.
Caption: Rosco Specman – Bronze medallist from Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Rugby 7s stalwart – Rugby 7s Men playing Ireland in the first game, the team start the competition on Wednesday 24 July.