By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa honoured athletes who successfully represented South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings.
The ceremony recognised the excellence demonstrated by top athletes as well as the organisational effort by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee to prepare Team South Africa for the Games.
Team South Africa featured 147 athletes at the Paris Olympics Games, which took place from 26 July to 11 August 2024, and 32 athletes at the Paris Summer Paralympics Games from 28 August to 08 September 2024.
A total of 12 medals were achieved for the respective games, six each for the Olympics (one Gold, three Silver and two Bronze) and Paralympics (two Gold, and four Bronze).
During the ceremony, Ramaphosa awarded certificates to the athletes, recognising their efforts and successes.
Ramaphosa highlighted that the return of South Africa to the Olympic Games after apartheid was an important symbol of the country’s quest for freedom and its commitment to non-racialism and democracy.
“In every Olympic Games since, our athletes have shown the world that South Africa is capable of producing world-class talent across a variety of sports. And in every Paralympic Games, our athletes have not only demonstrated their athletic ability but have also challenged perceptions about disability,” he said.
He noted that these athletes had proven that physical limitations did not compare to the strength of the human spirit.
“The success of our Paralympic athletes reminds us that greatness knows no boundaries,” he added.
Ramaphosa pointed to the Shield of Jove award, which was presented to Tatjana Smith and Mpumelelo Mhlongo, in recognition of their “exceptional achievements” at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
These remarkable achievements are the product of a collective commitment to building a sustainable sporting culture in South Africa. Our athletes have excelled because of the investments we’ve made in sports infrastructure, in grassroots development and in training systems, “he said.
Many athletes expressed gratitude for the recognition, marking the occasion as a historic moment in South African sports.
Wheelchair tennis world champion Ronald Ramphadi shared his excitement, calling the recognition a proud and inspiring experience.
“It’s the first time something like this is happening. The President is a great person to be around, and being honoured by him feels incredible. We’re motivated to perform even better next time, “he said.
Olympic 100m champion Akani Simbine echoed the same sentiment, appreciating acknowledgement from the country’s highest office.
“Being honoured by the President is really great. As athletes, we work hard to represent the country, and knowing he values our efforts gives us the drive to push harder and achieve more, “Simbine said.