By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Excitement is in the air with nearly 150 athletes representing South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games from today until 11 August.
Hockey player Kayla Swarts, who is the sibling to Rio 2016 champion and world record holder in the 400m Wayde van Niekerk are set to share a special moment during the Paris Olympics 2024.
Van Niekerk, who will not have a shot at regaining his Olympic 400m title after he opted to instead compete in the 200m and relays, will only join the rest of the athletics team at a training camp in Montpellier after the ceremony.
Speaking before the Games, Swarts said it was a lifelong dream to share the Olympics stage with one of her siblings.
“We might be able to see each other at the opening ceremony, considering that Team South Africa will be on one big boat,” Swarts said.
“I can’t imagine how special that moment would be. It’s still so surreal, like every day, I slowly process what’s happening. It’s not every day that you experience such a massive thing with your brother. That’s such a rare occasion and I would be blessed to be able to experience that. It’s really crazy!”
The South African women’s hockey team has been drawn in Group B, alongside Australia, Argentina, Great Britain, Spain and the United States.
Only the top four finishers in each of the two pools will progress to the quarter-finals.
South Africa have selected 16 women (and two reserves) as well as a four-person strong management team for the Paris Olympics.
Team SA Women’s hockey squad for Paris Olympics
Taheera Augousti, Quanita Bobbs, Stephanie Botha, Dirkie Chamberlain, Erin Christie, Kayla de Waal, Paris-Gail Isaacs, Marie Antoinette Louw, Ongeziwe Mali, Ntsopa Mokoena, Edith Molikoe, Kristen Paton, Hannah Pearce, Celia Seerane, Anelle van Deventer, Onthatile Zulu
Reserves: Aphiwe Dimba, Kayla Swarts
Management: Lynn Abrahamse, Giles Bonnet, Marcelle Keet, Wayne Lombard
SA Women’s Hockey Fixtures
Sunday, 28 July vs Australia – 12:45
Monday, 29 July vs Argentina – 17:30.