Johannesburg — South Africans gathered by the hundreds and thousands to welcome back three of South Africa’s Olympic medalists, Tatjana Smith, Bayanda Walaza and Bradley Nkoana.
South Africa’s Olympic team had a strong show at this year’s games and walked away with six medals in total (one gold, three silver and two bronzes). The Mens Sevens Rugby team and cyclist, Alan Hatherly, secured hard-earned bronze medals, while javelin star, Jo-Ane Van Dyk, secured an impressive silver medal.
The two standout performers were swimming sensation, Tatjana Smith, who announced her retirement after winning a gold and silver medal in the 100m and the 200m breaststroke, respectively.
South Africa’s 4x100m relay team, made up of Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, and two teenagers, Bayanda Walaza and Bradley Nkoana, secured a historic silver medal in an African record time of 37.57 seconds.
𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐚𝐭 #𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 🇿🇦
🥇 Tatjana Smith
🥈 Men’s 4x100m Relay Team – Akani Simbine, Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana and Shaun Maswanganyi
🥈 Jo-Ane van Dyk
🥉 Alan Hatherly
🥉 Blitzbokke pic.twitter.com/dIsZ4gWcBJ— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 12, 2024
The trio arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg this morning to thunderous roars of support. Smith was greeted by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, as she paraded around the airport with a South African flag and her gold medal draped around her neck as she posed for pictures and and gave autographs to fans. One fan gave Tatjana R100 to thank her for being an inspiration.
“Love you, I wish I could give you more,” the fan said.
A truly South African moment 🇿🇦♥️
A fan gave Tatjana Smith R100 to thank her for her performance at Paris 2024. Said she wished she could give more.
Sport hey 🥹pic.twitter.com/wpmc1DqOHJ
— Stephen (@SteviePSport) August 13, 2024
Following Smith’s arrival, Walaza and Nkoana arrived later in the morning to equally thunderous cheers. Walaza, who is still in matric at Curro Hazeldean, was greeted by his schoolmates, his mother his grandmother and his best friend.
Walaza’s mother was very proud of his achievement and said she had so many mixed emotions. When she found out her son was going to run, she was worried about him as a young boy but said he was brave after seeing the results.
Nkoana’s family was also out in full support as his grandfather spoke about how proud and excited he was to see him again, Nkoana grew up in foster care with his grandparents, and the social worker who looked after him was also proud of his incredible achievement.
🥈🇿🇦 Curro Hazeldean High School is also here in full force to welcome the World’s fastest teen Bayanda Walaza. @SABC_Sport | #OlympicGames | @OfficialTeamRSA | @CURRO_SCHOOLS pic.twitter.com/pW0JQl6O25
— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) August 13, 2024
[WATCH] Bayanda Walaza’s mother is at the OR Tambo International Airport to welcome back her son who won silver at the #PARIS2024 #Olympics
“I’m a proud mother, I’ve got mixed emotions. I’m grateful to South Africa for their support.” pic.twitter.com/mX8liCJg3Z
— Ntsako Mkhari (@Ntsako_Mkhari_) August 13, 2024
[WATCH] Newzroom Afrika’s @KJSello speaks to Bradley Nkoana’s family at the O.R. Tambo International Airport ahead of his arrival this morning. Nkoana was part of the 4x100m relay SA team.
Watch: https://t.co/UKzOpbBNU5#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/urE4CyArNl
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 13, 2024
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Picture: X/@SportArtsCultur
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
