Sascoc unveils first group of athletes in SA team for Paris Olympics.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has announced the first group of athletes to represent the country at the Olympics in France.

The Games is scheduled to take place from 26 July until 11 August in Paris, with South Africa set to partake in its ninth edition since its return in 1992.

SASCOC have named Team South Africa in part, consisting of Athletics, Swimming, Surfing, Canoeing, Climbing, and Gymnastics participants.

There are still opportunities for athletes to qualify in various sports, including athletics and swimming, and final squads in team codes have not yet been revealed.

And while the make-up of the full team was still unclear, Sascoc president Barry Hendricks said he was optimistic about the nation’s medal chances in the French capital.

“If we look at the recent results in athletics, the athletes are coming together and peaking at the right time, and if you look at the action in the swimming pool as well in Gqeberha the other day (at the SA Championships) I was quite excited with the results and times,” Hendricks said.

“Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the men’s rugby sevens team as well, who must still qualify.”

Sascoc, meanwhile, confirmed incentives for athletes and coaches at the Games, to be held in the French capital between 27 July and 11 August.

Gold medallists would receive R400 000, silver medallists would get R200 000 and bronze medallists would earn R100 000.

Their coaches would receive R100 000 for gold, R50 000 for silver and R25 000 for bronze.