Four-time Olympic medalist Tatjana Smith and relay star Bayanda Walaza were among the South African athletes who landed at the OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday morning as patriots trickled in to welcome them following impressive displays at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Swimmer Smith won gold in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke and picked up silver in the 200m version of the same event.
Smith swam herself into the history books as she is now Mzansi’s most decorated Olympian with two silvers and as many gold medals. The 27-year-old has since announced her retirement from professional swimming.
.@Paris2024 gold and silver medallist Tatjana Smith on the pressure and hunger she felt to win more medals after Tokyo 3 yrs ago pic.twitter.com/psciabqKUS
— Marc Strydom (@marc_strydom) August 13, 2024
Jo-Ane van Dyk was also impressive in the Javelin final where her throw covered 63.93m to earn herself a silver medal.
Meanwhile, Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, and Bradley Nkoana’s heroics in the Men’s 4x100m relay were anchored by seasoned sprinter Akani Simbine, who finally got what has been an elusive Olympic medal as South Africa finished second, setting an African record of 37.57 seconds.
Kids from @CURRO_SCHOOLS School in Silverlakes have arrived to welcome their schoolmate Bayanda Walaza who won silver in the men’s 4x100 relay. 🇿🇦
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) August 13, 2024
*PS pic.twitter.com/hXxcYQzbZE
Walaza’s mother, Tholiwe Walaza, would not be able to hide her jubilation even if she were asked to. The 18-year-old’s mother was corned by reporters where she admitted that goosebumps overwhelmed her before her son took to the track in the relay.
“I was worried because it was the first time on that global stage, and he is young. He is so brave, I am proud of him.
“I am happy to see that people are embracing him, the comments I get… I cry every day because they adore my son. I am so very happy. I am a proud mother. They ran so well. I’m over the moon, I have mixed emotions,” said Walaza.
Tholiwe Walaza, the mother of 18-year-old Bayanda Walaza, said she proud of her son's exploits at the Paris Olympics. @Sport24news pic.twitter.com/WBVMHQSahH
— the gifted guy (@AthiTsotsi) August 13, 2024
