Why was South Africa banned from the Olympic Games for 24 years?
South Africa was barred from the Olympic Games for 24 years, during a time of significant political turmoil within the country.
Due to its apartheid regime, South Africa was banned from competing in the Olympic Games from 1964 to 1988.
Non-white South Africans faced widespread discrimination in all aspects of life, including sports, where only white athletes could represent the country. Due to the persistence of apartheid and the influence of other African nations, the International Olympic Committee officially expelled the South African Olympic Committee in 1970.
Return to the Olympic Games movement
Negotiations to end apartheid began in 1990, marking the start of South Africa’s return to international sports. In 1991, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) was established, paving the way for the nation’s re-entry into the Olympic movement. South Africa made its Olympic comeback at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and the 1992 Summer Paralympics.
Since rejoining, South African athletes have achieved significant success on the world stage, proudly representing their country and showcasing their talents in various sports disciplines.
Tatjana Smith shines in Paris 2024
South African swimmer Tatjana Smith secured the nation’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, delivering a stellar performance in the women’s 100m breaststroke. Smith completed the race in 1:05.28 on Monday, further cementing her status as a top athlete. With this victory, Smith’s Olympic medal tally now stands at three, including two golds and a silver. She is on the verge of equalling Chad le Clos’s record of four Olympic medals, the most by any South African Olympian.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) praised Smith’s achievements and highlighted the potential for her to add to her medal count later in the week, given her reigning champion status in the 200m breaststroke.
Team South Africa is represented by nearly 150 athletes at Paris 2024, marking the country’s 21st appearance at the Olympic Games. The event runs from 26 July to 11 August, featuring athletes competing across various sports and striving for Olympic glory.
Reflecting on her race, Smith shared her thoughts: “I had no idea where I was for most of the race. I actually didn’t think I medalled because when I turned to my left, the two blocks next to me both had lights on, and it felt like someone else on the other side touched first. So, I actually didn’t think I was medalling. My main goal was just to not do what I did in Tokyo and look around. So literally the last 15 meters, I was like, no, close your eyes, let’s just go.”