Silver medalist Amanda Beard of the US, gold medalist Penny Heyns of South Africa, and bronze medalist Agnes Kovas of Hungary (from L-R) smile on the podium after they received their medals they won in the Olympic women's 200m breaststroke event 23 July.
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa has been blessed with remarkable female athletes who have showcased their incredible talents on the world's biggest stage: The Olympic Games.
From the re-admission of South Africa to the Olympics in 1992, these women have not only brought home medals but also inspired countless others with their dedication, perseverance, and exceptional performances.
eNCA.com takes a look at the trailblazers who have etched their names in history, from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics to the 2024 Paris Olympics, highlighting the profound impact of these extraordinary athletes on the nation and the world of sports.
Penny Heyns
- Born: 8 November 1974, Springs
- Achievements:
- 1996 Atlanta Olympics
- Gold in the Women's 100m Breaststroke (21 July)
- Gold in the Women's 200m Breaststroke (23 July)
Penny Heyns is best known for being the only woman in the history of the Olympic Games to have won both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events.
She was South Africa's first post-apartheid Olympic gold medallist following the country's re-admission to the Games in 1992.
Along with Australian champion Leisel Jones, Heyns is regarded as one of the greatest breaststroke swimmers.
Hestrie Cloete
- Born: 26 August 1978, Germiston
- Achievements:
- 2000 Sydney Olympics
- Silver in the Women's High Jump
- 2004 Athens Olympics
- Silver in the Women's High Jump
Cloete’s outstanding performance on the field has seen her repeatedly set records.
She set three South African, thirteen African, and five Commonwealth records for high jump between 1998 and 2003.
Her achievements include being the World Top Junior in 1997, African Champion in 1998 and 2002 and world number one in 1999.
File: South Africa's Hestrie Cloete poses with her national flag after winning silver in the women's high jump final 28 August 2004, during the Olympic Games athletics competitions at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. Russia's Elena Slesarenko won the gold while Ukraine's Vita Styopina won the bronze.
Caster Semenya
- Born: 7 January 1991, Ga-Masehlong
- Achievements:
- 2012 London Olympics
- Gold in the Women's 800m (originally won silver, upgraded to gold in 2017 after the disqualification of the original winner)
- 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics
- Gold in the Women's 800m
Semenya is the two-time women’s 800m Olympic champion, a three-time 800m world champion and a double Commonwealth Games middle distance gold medallist.
To wrap those figures in further context, when Semenya won the Doha Diamond League 800m in May 2019, it was her 30th consecutive victory over the distance. Put simply, when fit, in-form and free to run without distraction, Semenya is almost unbeatable over the 800m.
Bianca Buitendag
- Born: 9 November 1993, Cape Town
Achievements:
- 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
- Silver in the Women's Shortboard Surfing (27 July)
Bianca Buitendag is a professional surfer who represented South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics.
In 2021 Bianca brought home the silver medal at the Olympics held in Tokyo. During her competitive career, she managed to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management from Northeastern University in Boston, graduating in 2018.
She has been involved in Life Community Services for the last 8 years, and has recently been more permanently involved, as the organization is fundraising to construct a new school, accommodating 350 learners.
South Africa's Bianca Buitendag rides a wave during the women's Surfing Third round at the Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach, in Chiba, on July 26, 2021 during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
Tatjana Smith
- Born: 9 July 1997, Johannesburg
Achievements:
- 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
- Gold in the Women's 200m Breaststroke (30 July)
- Silver in the Women's 100m Breaststroke (27 July)
- 2024 Paris Olympics
- Gold in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke
Tatjana Smith, has had an unparalleled career, becoming South Africa’s most decorated Olympian with four career medals at the Games, including two gold and two silver.
With her decision to retire after the Paris Olympics, the nation bids farewell to a true sporting icon whose impact extends far beyond the pool.
Marianne Kriel
- Born:30 August 1971, Bellville, Cape Town
- Achievements:
- 1996 Atlanta Olympics
- Bronze in the Women's 100m Backstroke
Kriel was the first South African athlete to compete at the Olympics since 1960. She also had the honour of meeting Nelson Mandela.
From L: US Whitney Hedgepeth (silver), US Beth Botsford (gold) and South African Marianne Kriel (bronze) smile on the podium after receiving their medals for women's Olympic100m backstroke 22 July at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center in Atlanta.
As we reflect on the awe-inspiring achievements of South Africa's female Olympians, we are reminded of the power of determination, resilience, and excellence.
These women have not only brought glory to their nation but have also paved the way for future generations of athletes. Their legacy is one of triumph, inspiration, and breaking barriers.
South Africa proudly celebrates these icons, whose contributions in sports will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
Here’s to the champions who continue to inspire us all, proving that with hard work and passion, the sky is the limit.
Compiled by: Tshenolo Khaile