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Standout performances at rain-soaked SA Senior Athletics Championships finale

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Standout performances at rain-soaked SA Senior Athletics Championships finale
By Adnaan Mohamed

Stellenbosch’s Coetzenberg Stadium played host to a rain-soaked finale at the 2026 ASA Senior Track and Field Championships, where several of the country’s leading athletes delivered composed performances in testing conditions.

Among the standout winners were long jumper Luvo Manyonga who after seven years in the wilderness soared to 8.04m to claim gold on home soil. Gift Leotlela, Lythe Pillay, Rogail Joseph, Sinesipho Dambile and Tayla Kavanagh, amongst others all secured national titles in challenging weather conditions.

Leotlela successfully defended his men’s 100m crown, edging Benjamin Richardson in a photo finish, while Dambile added another chapter to his growing reputation in the 200m.

Dambile clocked 20.02 seconds to claim his third national title in the half-lap sprint, having also won in 2022 and 2025. After crossing the line, he raised three fingers on each hand in acknowledgement of his achievement.

“It is very special man, I have to win it back-to-back to back to back,” Dambile said.

“I’ve seen the consistency of 400m when Wayde was there, I saw the consistency of Akani in the 100m and I’ve actually never seen in the 200m someone being that consistent. I wanted to be that guy and I’m definitely working towards that.”

Sinesipho Dambile defended his 200m crown Photo: Team SA

He finished ahead of 18-year-old Naeem Jack, who took second in 20.34, while Mihlali Xotyeni was third in 20.62.

In the men’s 400m, Pillay delivered a controlled run from lane six to secure gold in 45.22. With his main challengers on the inside lanes, he executed a measured race plan to stay clear of the field.

“The plan was just to execute,” Pillay said.

“I knew that Leendert and Udeme were the two on my inside lane, so I wouldn’t be able to gauge them until either it was too late to the finish or they caught me early on. My plan was just run a bold race, run strong. I know where my strengths are this season and just to bear out the weather.”

Bradley Maponyane finished second in 45.77, with Udeme Okon third in 46.02 and Leendert Koekemoer fourth in 46.52. Okon’s meeting ended on a concerning note later in the 4x400m relay when he appeared to suffer a hamstring injury on the final bend and fell after handing over the baton.

Wernich van Rensburg won the men’s 400m hurdles in 50.09, while Joseph took the women’s title in 55.94.

Rogail Joseph Photo; Cecelia van Bers

In the women’s 400m, Marlie Viljoen secured her first national title in 51.72 after a delayed start. Jada van Staden and Isabella Gunter completed the podium.

“Today was only about running for a gold medal, I wasn’t looking for a time. I’m actually happy with the time in the conditions, but today was only about getting the gold medal,” Viljoen said.

Kayla la Grange won the women’s 200m in 23.37, finishing ahead of Anastaysha George and Rume Burger, while Joviale Mbisha defended her national title in the women’s 100m.

The women’s 1500m provided one of the more competitive races of the afternoon. Karabo More surged late to win in 4:11.54, denying Prudence Sekgodiso a double after her earlier victory in the 800m. Sekgodiso finished second in 4:14.38, with Danielle Verster third in 4:16.86.

Denmar Jacobs claimed his first national title in the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.47, narrowly beating Mondray Barnard, while veteran Antonio Alkana placed third.

Marione Fourie won the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.69 despite a slightly slow start.

“I’m really happy with the time, I thought it would be slower. I didn’t know I can run a 12.69 in these conditions, it just means that there’s a next level coming up and I hope that I can achieve that,” Fourie said.

Tayla Kavanagh dominated the distance double at the SA Champs Photo: Team SA

In the field events, Leandri Holtzhausen produced one of the standout performances with a winning hammer throw of 67.70m. Colette Uys secured gold in the discus with a throw of 57.86m and added silver in the hammer (63.53m), while Anje Holtzhausen took bronze in the hammer with 50.93m.

Zinzi Xulu won the women’s triple jump with a best attempt of 12.90m.

Jana van Schalkwyk claimed the javelin title with a throw of 53.12m, while Danielle Nolte won the long jump with 6.49m.

On the track, Edmund du Plessis defended his 800m title in 1:46.63, and Siboniso Soldaka took top honours in the 3 000m steeplechase.

Despite the persistent rain, the championships concluded with a series of measured performances across track and field, as athletes adapted to the conditions to secure national titles.

FIND THE FULL RESULTS HERE:

Lythe Pillay’s Next Lap Starts with On

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Lythe Pillay’s Next Lap Starts with On
 
Long before Olympic stadiums, world medals and a 44.31 personal best, Lythe Pillay was just a young boy discovering a love for the track in his first year of primary school.
That early spark has carried him all the way to the world stage and now into a new chapter with Swiss sportswear brand On.
On has announced that Pillay, one of South Africa’s brightest 400m stars, has joined its global athlete roster. The signing is more than a personal milestone for the two-time Olympian. It also marks a meaningful step for the brand, as Pillay becomes the first professional South African athlete to join On’s growing track and field roster.
For Pillay, the journey to this moment has been built on steady progress, resilience and a habit of rising when the stakes are highest. He announced himself to the world in 2022 when he won gold at the World U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia. From there, he continued to build his reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting quarter-milers, earning the honour of representing South Africa at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Then came 2025, a season that showed exactly why so many believe Pillay’s best is still ahead of him.
First, he claimed gold at the World University Games, underlining his class as an individual competitor. Then, on one of athletics’ biggest stages, he helped South Africa secure a historic bronze medal in the men’s 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. It was the kind of season that confirmed what the numbers already suggested: with a personal best of 44.31 seconds, Pillay is not just competing with the world’s best, he is becoming one of them.
That sense of ambition is part of what drew him to On.
“I felt a deep connection with On because we share that same hunger and drive to establish ourselves as household names among the giants of the industry,” said Pillay. “Both the brand and I have a point to prove to the world, and I’m excited to collaborate and channel that collective effort toward reaching the next level of the sport.”
It is a fitting partnership. On’s own rise has been shaped by bold ambition and a willingness to challenge expectations, qualities that echo Pillay’s journey from schoolboy athlete to global medal contender.
“Lythe is an exceptional talent whose ambition and underdog spirit perfectly mirror our own journey,” said Silja Mühlebach, Athlete Manager at On. “His transition from a child falling in love with the track to a world-class medalist shows a level of dedication that we are incredibly proud to support. Welcoming Lythe is a key step in our mission to grow On’s roster of elite sprinters in Africa, and we look forward to seeing him challenge the status quo.”
The partnership also signals something bigger. By bringing Pillay onto its roster, On is making a clear statement about the future, one that includes deeper investment in Africa’s sprinting talent and a stronger presence in one of the sport’s most exciting regions.
And while Pillay’s story is still being written on the track, his vision stretches beyond it. Alongside his athletics career, he is pursuing a BCom in Accounting, building a foundation for life in business and finance once his racing days are done.
For now, though, the focus is firmly on what comes next.
A boy who once fell in love with running has grown into one of South Africa’s most promising athletes. Now, with On behind him, Lythe Pillay steps into his next race carrying not only his own ambition, but the momentum of a partnership built on belief, hunger and the promise of more to come.

Lythe Proud to Podium with Wayde at World Champs

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Lythe Proud to Podium with Wayde at World Champs

By Adnaan Mohamed

Lythe Pillay was only 12 years old when Wayde van Niekerk stunned the world at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 setting a new record 400m of 43.03. Now, the boy who once sat wide-eyed in front of the TV is sprinting alongside his idol, and winning medals with him.

South Africa’s 4x400m relay team of Pillay, Udeme Okon, Zakithi Nene and Van Niekerk snatched bronze at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, clocking 2:57.83 in pouring rain.

But for Lythe, the medal was more than bronze. It was a childhood dream realised.

“It was a huge honour winning a medal with my childhood hero Wayde van Niekerk in the 4x400m relay with Team SA at the World Champ,” Lythe revealed to Modern Athlete with the impressive bronze medal dangling from his neck at the VIP tent at the finish of a Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Heritage Day.

Just a couple of days after returning from the global showpiece in Japan, the 22-year-old from Benoni was at the sold-out event which drew 14,400 participants to support his girlfriend who participated as one of the Boxer Athletic Club elite athlete contingent.

“I enjoy all sports, and it was awesome just coming out supporting my girlfriend and seeing a sport from a different crowd and a different perspective.

“I could just admire the work other athletes put in themselves. I can’t run far to save my life. So I marvel at all the athletes that turned out today. It’s a great vibe seeing the runners sharing their experiences with each other. I am just glad to be part of it all.”

But Pillay’s story circles back to Van Niekerk. He still remembers watching in awe as a grade 1 schoolboy when the South African stunned the world in Rio.

“It’s crazy because I always said I’m here because of Wayde. I saw the Olympics live from home. When I saw the line-up I thought the Americans will take it as per usual.

“And all of a sudden I see this guy from Bloemfontein, South Africa breaking the World 400m record. Seeing that made me believe that perhaps I can do it too.”

Pillay believes Van Niekerk’s achievement lit the fuse for a new wave of 400m talent.

“South Africa now has more sub-45 runners than ever before. So there has been massive growth. The word I like to use is inflation.

“I’m honoured to be part of that movement and to be able to get a medal with Wayde.

“We have great athletes now and it’s also a great feeling. I could be mistaken but Team SA had the youngest team in the field and it gives us hope and inspires us to know that once Wayde retires, we will still be in a good space.”

Now, with seniors like Van Niekerk alongside emerging stars such as Zakithi Nene and Gardeo Isaacs, Pillay believes the 400m is in safe hands.

“I have now transitioned from a junior into senior ranks. We now have a very nice steam of senior and junior athletes. We are in a very healthy place and I am a firm believer that a lot of us are here because of what Wayde did.”

For Pillay, Van Niekerk is more than a teammate. He is proof that South African sprinters can take on the world and win.

Bronze lining for SA in Tokyo as relay team break eight-year medal drought

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Bronze lining for SA in Tokyo as relay team break eight-year medal drought

It took until the final day of the World Athletics Championships, but the quartet of Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Wayde van Niekerk and Zakithi Nene ensured Team South Africa will not leave Tokyo empty-handed after securing a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay. That brought to an end an eight-year World Championships medal drought. By Karien Jonckheere

The foursome tore round the track in two minutes 57.83 seconds with Zakithi almost pipping world and Olympic 400m hurdles champion Rai Benjamin on the line for the silver, but the American just edged ahead by two thousandths of a second with Botswana taking gold in 2:57.76. 

Gardeo Isaacs and Leendert Koekemoer, who will also be awarded the bronze medal, had made way for Van Niekerk and Nene for the final, with Van Niekerk expressing his gratitude for ending his 400m career on a high. 

“I really don’t want to make the team effort a personal thing, but it was really an amazing opportunity for me,” admitted the 400m world record holder afterwards, adding a shoutout to his teammates. “I think they know my journey, the last few years fighting with the 400m… I’m really just grateful to each and every one of them for pushing for me and fighting for me to be here.

“It’s really a privilege that I can finish off my 400m career with a medal, and hopefully it gives them some motivation to go and get some more medals for themselves.”

Wayde’s, whose medal collection includes Rio Olympic gold in the 400 as well as two 400m world titles and a 200m silver, added that he hoped the bronze would inspire his teammates to bigger things.

“I think I’m glad it’s a bronze because now it gives them reason to fight for silver and gold for themselves individually and then as a team as well,” he said.

Lythe was excited about the future potential of the team that included Udeme, who has just turned 20, and 18-year-old Leendert.

“We’re still a very young team, we have a lot of potential going forward,” he said. “I grew up wanting to run like Wayde. I started running chasing Zak and Gardeo, now Udeme and Leendert are chasing me, so we have a really great flow of athletes… so just up from here.”

With the World Athletics Championships coming to a close on Sunday, a look back reveals there were several injury disappointments and close shaves for Team SA, but also plenty to celebrate apart from the bronze medal, with the country’s sprinters really making their mark by reaching their respective finals of the 100m (Gift Leotlela and Akani Simbine), 200m (Sinesipho Dambile) and 400m (Nene).

Successful appeal hands SA sprint relay team chance to qualify for final

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Successful appeal hands SA sprint relay team chance to qualify for final

The South African men’s 4x100m relay team was thrown a dramatic lifeline late on Saturday night at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. That’s after a successful appeal for being impeded in their heat earlier in the evening. By Karien Jonckheere

First-leg runner Shaun Maswanganyi was bumped out of position by Italy’s 2020 Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs at the crucial first baton changeover, leaving Team SA’s hopes in tatters as they couldn’t finish the race. But the successful appeal has reopened the door. The sprinters will line up again in a timed relay on Sunday morning at 10.33am local time with one last shot to snatch a place in the final.

According to a World Athletics update: “If the South African team runs 38.34 or better (the 8th placed time qualified for the final) they will become the 9th team in the final and will run in lane 1. This will not affect the 8 teams already qualified.”

It means the same quartet of Maswanganyi, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine must regroup overnight and summon their very best, once more from the same lane six.

Meanwhile, Jo-Ané du Plessis finished just off the podium in fourth place in the women’s javelin final after a best effort of 63.06m. She admitted afterwards that the prospect of the final had seemed a daunting one after qualifying in a lowly 10th spot on Friday.

“When I woke up this morning, I was feeling like David against Goliath, so I’m happy. It’s not a medal but for me it’s like a gold medal, just showing up and still doing my best,” she said.

There were mixed fortunes for SA’s other relay teams in action on Saturday. The men’s 4x400m quartet of Gardeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer and Lythe Pillay sailed to victory in their heat in convincing fashion, crossing the line in 2 minutes 58.81 seconds.

“My team did the job for me. I wanted to finish strong,” said Lythe, who ran the anchor leg. “I’ve felt what it’s like when you relax too much when you’re in the lead so I thought let me just go and whoever wants to catch me must fight to catch me.

“Our team is strong, we’re healthy, we’re hungry and we’re ready for the final tomorrow.”

The women’s 4x400m team of Shirley Nehkubui, Marlie Viljoen, Hannah van Niekerk and Zenéy van der Walt finished seventh in their heat in 3:28.14 and did not advance. 

Earlier on Saturday, Wayne Snyman was relieved to cross the line in the 20km race walk, but his 43rd-place finish in 1 hour 30.12 seconds was far from his target. The 40-year-old schoolteacher, who has retired and returned to the sport more than once, faced a difficult road to these championships – and an even harder race on the day.

“I started terribly. The first 9km was incredibly hard, I couldn’t breathe at all. I had to stop to vomit twice,” he admitted afterwards. “And I think after about nine and a half or 10, I actually started to get comfortable. Then I actually started racing, but then in a 20km, it’s far too late but I just couldn’t stop, I had to finish.”

South Africa also endured disappointment in the field events, with none of the three shot putters – Miné de Klerk (24th), Ashley Erasmus (30th) and Colette Uys (32nd) – advancing past qualification. Victor Hogan also missed out in the discus after managing 61.51m to place 24th overall.

Zakithi coasts into 400m final to keep SA world champs medal hopes alive 

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Zakithi coasts into 400m final to keep SA world champs medal hopes alive 

Zakithi Nene kept his medal quest very much on track by coasting through to the 400m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday. By Karien Jonckheere

The KZN star looked to be in complete control as he claimed victory in his semifinal in a time of 44.20 seconds. 

In an ominous warning to his rivals, the 27-year-old reckoned afterwards: “I felt good, I think this is the best my body has felt all season. I managed that race pretty well, very comfortable, did what I needed to do, and that’s what I’m happy about. 

“My coach believes it’s very difficult to beat a confident athlete and that’s what I am right now. My confidence is at an all-time high.”

As for what the plan is between now and the final on Thursday evening (3.10pm SA time), he added: “It’s all about recovery, getting myself prepped for that final. I’ve just been saving myself and saving myself as much as I can, and we survive and advance.”

Zakithi headed to Tokyo with the fastest 400m time in the world this year – the 43.76 seconds he ran in Nairobi in May. But that mantle was taken off him in the second semifinal in Tokyo as Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi claimed victory in a sizzling 43.61 seconds.

The third semifinal was won by another athlete from Botswana, Bayapo Ndori, in 44.21 seconds, with his compatriot Lee Bhekempilo Eppie also making it to the final, meaning half the field hails from Southern Africa.

Meanwhile, Lythe Pillay was the only other South African in action at the world champs on Tuesday. He finished sixth in his semifinal in 44.82 seconds, so missing out on Thursday’s final. Even before the race, he had set his sights on the part he needs to play in the 4x400m relay. 

“My coach and physio were a bit angry at me for saying it, but for me, I was looking at the semi as a nice prep run for the relay,” he admitted afterwards.

“I went out, I gave it guts and glory. It didn’t pay out this time for the final, but at least I know I’m consistent, the body’s there, things are clicking, so come the relay, I’m really far more confident that I can contribute towards my team.” 

SA sprint duo make 100m history, but medals prove elusive in Tokyo final

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on SA sprint duo make 100m history, but medals prove elusive in Tokyo final

Akani Simbine and Gift Leotlela ensured South Africa had two representatives in the 100m final for the first time in World Athletics Championships history in Tokyo on Sunday. But a medal was not to be for the duo, with Leotlela finishing fifth in 9.95 seconds and Simbine seventh in 10.04. By Karien Jonckheere

After a false start from Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who was then disqualified, it was Jamaica’s Oblique Seville who outgunned the pack to take gold in a speedy 9.77 seconds, with his compatriot Kishane Thompson second in 9.82 and defending world champion and Olympic gold medallist Noah Lyles settling for bronze in 9.89 seconds.

Speaking afterwards, Simbine explained he had suffered cramp at the beginning of the race – something he wasn’t able to overcome to perform at his best.

“I cramped up a bit at the start and just couldn’t recover from that,” he said. “We’re just going to reassess how the body is and hopefully I’m good to go for the [4x100m] relay.”

Unlike Simbine, who has now featured in seven major championship finals, Leotlela was competing in his first after an impressive two days, which included running a blistering 9.87 seconds in the heats.

“It was amazing, I don’t want to lie, starting from last night, and I got a lot of confidence from the heats… I ran three sub-10s in two days, so I’ll take that as a big win.”

Adriaan Wildschutt finished in 10th spot in the 10,000m final earlier in the evening after losing touch with the leaders with just under a lap to go. He finished in 28 minutes 59.47 seconds, with the gold going to Frenchman Jimmy Gressier in 28:55.77 seconds.

“I just had to stay connected and conserve as much energy as possible and see how hard I could close. I didn’t quite have it towards the end, but I was there with 300m to go and I’m pretty proud of that,” said Wildschutt.

Earlier in the evening, both Zakithi Nene and Lythe Pillay eased through their respective heats to book places in the 400m semifinals. Current world leader Nene won his heat in 44.34 seconds with Pillay second in his heat in 44.73.

“Not a lot of athletes can say they’ve gone into world championships as world leader and that’s an achievement on its own that one should be proud of. So I’m wearing my bib with pride, I’ve got a target on my back, but I’m ready to defend it,” he said of the special blue numbers reserved for those who have run the fastest times of the year in each event. 

The other South Africans to impress on Sunday were Marioné Fourie, who finished second in her 100m hurdles heat in 12.86 seconds to book a spot in Monday’s semifinals, while Tshepo Tshite finished sixth in his 1500m heat in 3:36.36 to also progress to the next round.

How Team South Africa Performed on Tuesday

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on How Team South Africa Performed on Tuesday

Three sporting codes represent Team SA at the Olympics on Tuesday, although none of them are involved in determining any medals.

Team SA sprinter Benjamin Richardson has been withdrawn from Paris 2024 and will take no further part in these Olympics. In confirming the news, the Team SA chief medical officer Dr Jean de Wilde said: “Benjamin sustained a hamstring injury in the men’s 200m heats on Monday and has been withdrawn from all further competition.”

Athletics: 
Women’s 400m Repechage Round (Heat 2) 
Miranda Coetzee ran her personal best time in the Repechage race, qualifying for the Semi-Final on Tuesday, 7 August.

Men’s 400m Semi Final
Lythe Pillay finished seventh in his Semi-Final race. His position and time were, however, not enough to secure him a spot in the Final.

Men’s 400m Semi Final
Zakithi Nene finished sixth in his Semi-Final race. His position and time were, however, also not enough to secure him a spot in the Final.

Women’s 400m Hurdles Semi Final 1
Zeney Geldenhuys ran her personal best time in her Semi-Final race, finishing third. Her position and time were, however, not enough to secure her a spot in the Final.

Women’s 400m Hurdles Semi Final 2
Rogail Joseph also ran her personal best time in her Semi-Final race, finishing third. Her position and time were, however, not enough to secure her a spot in the Final.

Sport Climbing:
Women’s Boulder & Lead, Semi Final Boulder
Lauren Mukheibir had a challenging start to the competition, finishing 20th overall.

Men’s Speed – Qualification
Joshua Bruyns was eliminated in the Qualification Elimination heats, preventing him from progressing to the Final.

Canoe Sprint:
Men’s Kayak Double 500m Heats
Hamish Lovemore and Andrew Birkett finished second in their Quarter-Final race, securing a position in the Semi-Final.

Women’s Kayak Double 500m Heats
Esti Olivier and Tiffany Amber Koch finished 6th in their Quarter-Final race and did not manage to qualify for the Semi-Final.

Akani, Wayde and Tatjana head Team SA as first batch of Olympic athletes announced

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Akani, Wayde and Tatjana head Team SA as first batch of Olympic athletes announced

By Karien Jonckheere

Akani Simbine, Tatjana Smith and Wayde van Niekerk were all among the 39 athletes who officially had their tickets to Paris confirmed for later this year when the first Olympic team announcement was made by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Teams were announced across seven sporting codes, with two more official announcements to come in the next two months.

The athletics team is far from complete with the qualification period still open and those athletes booking their tickets via world rankings yet to be finally determined.

Among those at the team announcement on Wednesday was young 400m star Lythe Pillay, who has just returned from helping the South Africa 4x400m quartet to a silver medal at the recent World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas.

“It’s really exciting. It’s still a bit surreal,” he said of making the Olympic team. “I’m really process orientated. I’m always just fixated on training and doing what I have to do. I very seldom take time to sit back and really acknowledge what has just happened and what I’ve achieved… it’s given me more of a sense of motivation to progress and keep pushing.”

Also thrilled to have booked her trip to Paris was Cian Oldknow who is one of three women, along with Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl, to have qualified in the marathon.

“Until it’s official, it’s always a bit like – ooh, are we actually going? So I think now it’s starting to sink in that I really made the team,” she said. “I’m very excited… I can’t wait for what’s coming. I’m so excited to be on the start line with all my role models.”

Meanwhile, heading the swimming team is Tokyo gold and silver medallist Tatjana Smith who will be looking to defend her 200m breaststroke title in the French capital.

 “It’s definitely nice to know it’s official,” she said after the announcement. “This is my second time going but it doesn’t make it any less exciting than the first time so I’m very excited.

“I’m feeling very motivated because you know you’re so close to the end – as in Paris, the thing that you’ve been working towards for so long. That definitely keeps you encouraged because you know there’s only about nine weeks left so that helps a lot.”

Others in the swimming team include the likes of SA’s most successful Olympian Chad le Clos, world championship medallist Pieter Coetzé and Commonwealth Games medallists Erin Gallagher and Kaylene Corbett.

The other sporting codes to have their teams announced were canoeing, climbing, gymnastics, surfing and wrestling.

Meanwhile, SASCOC announced the cash incentives that are up for grabs to South Africans who win medals in Paris. R400,000 will be awarded to gold medallists with R100,000 going to their coaches, R200 000 for silver medallists (with R50k for coaches) and R75 000 for bronze medals (R25k for coaches).

SA Olympic team so far:

AQUATICS

Men: Pieter Coetzé (100m, 200m backstroke), Chad le Clos (100m butterfly), Matthew Sates (100m, 200m butterfly and 200m IM)

Women: Aimee Canny (200m freestyle), Kaylene Corbett (200m breaststroke), Erin Gallagher (100m butterfly), Rebecca Meder (200m IM), Tatjana Smith (100m, 200m breaststroke), Julia Vincent (diving, 3m springboard)

ATHLETICS

Men: Luxolo Adams (200m), Stephen Mokoka (marathon), Zakhiti Nene (400m), Lythe Pillay (400m), Benjamin Richardson (200m), Akani Simbine (100m), Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Wayde van Niekerk (400m), Jovan van Vuuren (long jump), Adriaan Wildschutt (5000m, 10000m).

Women: Marione Fourie (100mH), Zeney Geldenhuys (400mH), Rogail Joseph (400mH), Cian Oldknow (marathon), Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), Gerda Steyn (marathon), Irvette van Zyl (marathon)

CANOEING

Men: Andrew Birkett (kayak sprint), Hamish Lovemore (kayak sprint)

Women: Tiffany Koch (kayak sprint), Esti Olivier (kayak sprint)

Management: Nkosi Mzolo (coach), Janet Simpkins (manager)

GYMNASTICS

Women: Caitlin Rooskrantz (artistic)

Management: Ilse Pelser (coach)

SPORT CLIMBING

Men: Joshua Bruyns (speed climbing), Mel Janse van Rensburg (lead & boulder)

Women: Aniya Holder (speed climbing), Lauren Mukheiber (lead & boulder)

Management: Dean Bruyns (manager), John-David Muller (official coach)

SURFING

Men: Matthew McGillivray, Jordy Smith

Women: Sarah Ann Baum

Management: Christopher Bond (coach), Rezar De Nicker (coach, manager)

WRESTLING

Men: Steyn de Lange (92kg), Marias Hattingh (training partner, 79kg)

Management: Jan Roets (coach)