South African Olympic Medallists have cemented their place in the nation’s sporting legacy by representing the country on the world’s greatest stage and bringing home medals in a range of disciplines.
Since re-joining the Olympic Games in 1992, these athletes have exemplified the spirit of excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Whether it was the endurance of marathon runners like Josia Thugwane, the precision of swimmers like Penny Heyns, or the strength of rowers like James Thompson, each medallist carried the hopes of a nation with them.
Their collective achievements stand as a testament to their dedication and passion, uniting South Africans across generations in celebration of their success. This prestigious group of athletes, having now retired from competition, continues to inspire the next wave of champions, reminding us of the power of determination and the pursuit of greatness.
NAME | SPORT/CATEGORY | EVENT/DISCIPLINE | MEDAL | YEAR & VENUE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wayne Ferreira | Tennis | Men’s Doubles | Silver | 1992, Barcelona |
Piet Norval | Tennis | Men’s Doubles | Silver | 1992, Barcelona |
Elana Meyer | Athletics | Women’s 10,000m | Silver | 1992, Barcelona |
Josia Thugwane | Athletics | Men’s Marathon | Gold | 1996, Atlanta |
Hezekiél Sepeng | Athletics | Men’s 800m | Silver | 1996, Atlanta |
Marianne Kriel | Swimming | Women’s 100m Backstroke | Bronze | 1996, Atlanta |
Penny Heyns | Swimming | Women’s 100m Breaststroke | Gold | 1996, Atlanta |
Penny Heyns | Swimming | Women’s 200m Breaststroke | Gold | 1996, Atlanta |
Penny Heyns | Swimming | Women’s 100m Breaststroke | Bronze | 2000, Sydney |
Terence Parkin | Swimming | Men’s 200m Breaststroke | Silver | 2000, Sydney |
Llewellyn Herbert | Athletics | Men’s 400m Hurdles | Bronze | 2000, Sydney |
Frantz Kruger | Athletics | Men’s Discus Throw | Bronze | 2000, Sydney |
Hestrie Cloete | Athletics | Women’s High Jump | Silver | 2000, Sydney |
Hestrie Cloete | Athletics | Women’s High Jump | Silver | 2004, Athens |
Lyndon Ferns | Swimming | Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay | Gold | 2004, Athens |
Ryk Neethling | Swimming | Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay | Gold | 2004, Athens |
Darian Townsend | Swimming | Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay | Gold | 2004, Athens |
Roland Schoeman | Swimming | Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay | Gold | 2004, Athens |
Roland Schoeman | Swimming | Men’s 50m Freestyle | Bronze | 2004, Athens |
Roland Schoeman | Swimming | Men’s 100m Freestyle | Silver | 2004, Athens |
Donovan Cech | Rowing | Men’s Coxless Pairs | Bronze | 2004, Athens |
Ramon di Clemente | Rowing | Men’s Coxless Pairs | Bronze | 2004, Athens |
Mbulaeni Malaudzi | Athletics | Men’s 800m | Silver | 2004, Athens |
Godfrey Khotso Mokoena | Athletics | Men’s Long Jump | Silver | 2008, Beijing |
Cameron van der Burgh | Swimming | Men’s 100m Breaststroke | Gold | 2012, London |
James Thompson | Rowing | Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four | Gold | 2012, London |
Matthew Brittain | Rowing | Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four | Gold | 2012, London |
Sizwe Ndlovu | Rowing | Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four | Gold | 2012, London |
Bridgitte Hartley | Canoeing | Women’s K-1 500m | Bronze | 2012, London |
Lawrence Brittain | Rowing | Men’s Coxless Pairs | Silver | 2016, Rio de Janeiro |
Shaun Keeling | Rowing | Men’s Coxless Pairs | Silver | 2016, Rio de Janeiro |
Sunette Viljoen | Athletics | Women’s Javelin Throw | Silver | 2016, Rio de Janeiro |
Cameron van der Burgh | Swimming | Men’s 100m Breaststroke | Silver | 2016, Rio de Janeiro |
Kyle Brown (Captain) | Rugby Sevens | Men’s Rugby Sevens | Bronze | 2016, Rio de Janeiro |
Neil Powell (Coach) | Rugby Sevens | Men’s Rugby Sevens | Bronze | 2016, Rio de Janeiro |
Bianca Buitendag | Surfing | Women’s Shortboard | Silver | 2020, Tokyo |