The team to fly the South African flag high at the Tokyo Olympics in Japan in July, has been announced. The Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) made the announcement on Thursday, June 24.
South Africa will be represented by representatives across 10 codes, namely athletics, cycling, rowing, sailing, sevens rugby, skateboarding, surfing, swimming, triathlon and waterpolo. South African sprinter and 400m Rio Olympic gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk was also added to the athletics squad along with speedster Gift Leotlela, News24 reported.
Meanwhile, two-time Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya was the notable omission after the 800m runner failed to qualify in the 5 000m. Semenya was barred from competing in her favourite event due to World Athletics regulations on testosterone levels.
A world record holder, a shot putter, a legendary race walker and two sprinting debutants have been added to the @AthleticsSA_ team that will represent Team SA at @Tokyo2020
Congratulations gentlemen ?
#TeamSA | #Tokyo2020 | #BringingBackUbuntu pic.twitter.com/uyGSGqGdjA— TeamSouthAfrica (@TeamSA2020) June 24, 2021
Chad le Clos, who won two silvers at the 2016 Rio Games, and new swimming sensation Tatjana Schoenmaker will lead the aquatic team.
Very excited to see golden girl @TRSchoenmaker and other swimming debutants joining @chadleclos for Team SA. Good luck team.
@SwimSouthAfrica #TeamSA | #Tokyo2020 | #BringingBackUbuntu pic.twitter.com/QqQq91VsW7— TeamSouthAfrica (@TeamSA2020) June 24, 2021
A 17-man preliminary Rugby Sevens squad was also announced by coach Neil Powell and he is expected to trim it down to 14 a week before they depart for Tokyo on July 12.
An exciting Rugby Sevens squad for #Tokyo2020 has been announced
The final team will be named in due course ?
@Blitzboks #TeamSA | #BringingBackUbuntu pic.twitter.com/d5F64wI8xN— TeamSouthAfrica (@TeamSA2020) June 24, 2021
More names will be released after that date, Tuesday, June 29, as the qualification process is still ongoing for some sports.
Team SA has already started to roll out vaccines with 400 vaccinated in the delegation that has been accredited for the Games. South Africa will also send an advanced team on July 10 to ensure that all is put in place before the first group of athletes arrive three days later.
At the last Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Team SA brought home 10 medals. Hopefully they can double that tally this time around.
Picture: Cape Town etc gallery