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The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Commonwealth Games 2026: One year to go countdown
Wednesday, 23 July marked exactly one year to go until the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. These Games were last held in the Scottish city in 2014. The 2026 Games will feature a radically reduced 10-sport programme, including six fully integrated Para Sports, hosted in four venues. The sports to be represented are: 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, Artistic Gymnastics, Athletics and Para Athletics, Bowls and Para Bowls, Boxing, Cycling and Para Cycling, Judo, Netball, Swimming and Para Swimming and Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting. Team SA history at Commonwealth Games Below is a short refresher as to how Team SA has fared at the Commonwealth Games, since returning from isolation in 1994. Chad le Clos' silver medal in the 200m butterfly increased his total at the Commonwealth Games to 18, which is the joint most of any male athlete. The overall record is 20 by Australian swimmer Emma McKeon. Lara van Niekerk was South Africa's most successful athlete in Birmingham, with a gold medal in both the 50m breaststroke and 100m breaststroke. Medals: 7 gold 9 silver 11 bronze. Total 27 These will be remembered as the Games where Tatjana Smith (Schoenmaker) announced her arrival. She won gold in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke and from there went on to win medals in both events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Elsewhere, veterans Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh (swimming) and Akani Simbine (pictured) and Caster Semenya (athletics) also won gold. Medals: 13 gold 11 silver 13 bronze. Total 37 A successful haul of 40 medals – the second largest in the country's Games history – came off the back of 13 gold medals spread across five sports. Leading the way was lawn bowls with five golds, with three each from swimming and one each from judo and rugby sevens. Swimmer Chad le Clos won two golds for the biggest individual return. Medals: 13 gold 10 silver 17 bronze. Total 40 Chad le Clos' gold in the 200m butterfly singled him out as an emerging star and two years later he beat the great Michael Phelps to gold in the London Olympics. Para-swimmer Natalie du Toit won three more gold medals to add to the two each from Melbourne and Manchester and helped ensure that seven of the 12 gold medals at these Games were in the pool. Medals: 12 gold 11 silver 10 bronze. Total 33 The 'Awesome Foursome' of the Athens 2004 Olympics was back, with Gerhard Zandberg replacing Darian Townsend. The 4x100m freestyle quartet beat Australia in a Games record time to win gold, while Roland Schoeman collected three golds in the pool and para-swimmer Natalie du Toit, who was going to become the third amputee ever to qualify for the Olympics two years later, taking two golds. Boxing won its last gold for Team SA at the Games. Medals: 12 gold 13 silver 13 bronze. Total 38 Para-swimmer Natalie du Toit won the first two of what would be seven Commonwealth Games gold in the pool for her. She and Roland Schoeman earned swimming gold, while the other golds came in track and field. One of them was star 800m athlete Mbulaeni Mulaudzi who was later tragically killed in a car accident in 2014. Eleven different sports – including wheelchair table tennis – earned medals for Team SA. Medals: 9 gold 20 silver 17 bronze. Total 46 The first Games to introduce yellow into the logo and also the Games where South Africa won men's cricket gold (50 overs) the last time it was hosted at the Games. A star-studded Team SA beat Australia to the gold medal. Other sports to collect gold were athletics, lawn bowls, shooting and gymnastics. Medals: 10 gold 14 silver 12 bronze. Total 36 These were the first Games South Africa attended after a 36-year break of apartheid-enforced isolation. Two gold medals were won, both in lawn bowls (mens and women's Fours), while domestic stars Elana Meyer, Hezekiel Sepeng and Charmaine Weavers took silver in track and field. Team SA placed 12th on the table, which is their lowest post-isolation finish so far. Medals: 2 gold 4 silver 5 bronze. Total 11 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
From Delft to Namibia: Theodore Barnes shines at the Special Olympics
Theodore Barnes of Delft. Theodore Barnes of Delft. Image: supplied 'You have to lose to win. Those are the words of 21-year-old Theodore Barnes from Delft, who represented South Africa at the Special Olympics Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia, where he claimed second place in the 100 metres and fourth in the 200 metres. Barnes was one of 12 Team SA athletes competing in the Special Olympics category. Barnes is no stranger to the competitive track, in 2022, while being a learner at Be-EL School in Kuils River, he was also selected to be part of the Special Olympics held in Limpopo and came back home with gold. This time around, Barnes, who coached and trained himself, thanks to the support and love from his family, achieved second place in the 100 metres and fourth in the 200 metres. Theodore Barnes of Delft was welcomed home by his family. pic supplied Theodore Barnes of Delft was welcomed home by his family. pic supplied Image: supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He is already wanting to prepare for the 2026 games, perfecting the sports craft and finding ways to improve. He is appealing for a coach and a club to belong to. 'I am just tired, it was an amazing experience for me,' said Barnes who returned home on Saturday and received a hero's welcome from his family, who were armed with banners and a celebratory gathering with cake and tea. 'I actually prepared myself mentally and physically. I am training myself at the moment, I do not have a coach. 'It was such a wild experience and it felt different, you have to lose to win. 'I also want to improve on where i can 'I trained three times a week. 'I am keen to participate again. I did coaching for rugby. 'I want to thank my mother and sisters, they were biggest supporters 'I am going to join a club to prepare myself for the games.' Barnes' sister, Zudith Parish said they were proud of his achievements. 'We are trying to get sponsors for his training and he is keen to have a coach and join a club as there are none in Delft and we have to consider the transport.' What makes Barnes even more special is that he is an avid and dedicated sportsman who has done coaching in rugby and is a runner, swimmer and soccer player and has ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which he does not let stand in his way. Earlier, the Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie said he wished Barnes well. 'He is a true example of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and belief. Sport has the power to bring hope and joy to our communities and he is spreading that hope to others. He is a true role model for other athletes.' Cape Argus
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Theodore Barnes: South Africa's self-trained athlete making waves at the Special Olympics
Theodore Barnes, a self-trained athlete from Delft, is representing South Africa at the Special Olympics in Namibia. Image: Team SA There is something very special about 21-year-old Theodore Barnes from Delft who is representing South Africa at the Special Olympics in Namibia for athletics. He is self-trained and his own coach, under the watchful eye of his devoted family who helped him train for months. Barnes is currently one of 12 Team SA athletes who are competing in the Region Five Games, Special Olympics category, and flew join the games last week. The games feature athletes with intellectual disabilities. Barnes is no stranger to the competitive track. In 2022, while a learner at Be-EL School in Kuils River, he was selected to be part of the Special Olympics held in Limpopo and returned with gold. What makes Barnes even more special is that he does not let his Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stand in his way. Speaking with his sister, Zudith Parish, she said their family was thrilled that he was selected. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'We are very proud of him and my mother, Marjorie, when she heard that he has been selected, she jumped into the air,' she said. 'He just celebrated his 21st birthday and he was given a new pair of running spikes as a gift so it came at the right time. 'For two years he coached rugby and played club rugby in Delft for six years. 'Theodore never ran for a club but for his school. 'He has been training himself using videos on YouTube. "We will go with him to the sports field and we will time him. 'He does not have a coach and is seeking a club.' Theodore Barnes, a self-trained athlete from Delft, is representing South Africa at the Special Olympics in Namibia, is with his family before his departure. Image: supplied Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, wished Barnes well. 'He is a true example of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and belief. Sport has the power to bring hope and joy to our communities and he is spreading that hope to others. He is a true role model for other athletes and we will be cheering him on as he competes at this competition." During an interview with Team SA media, Barnes said he always dreamed of being on television and told of how competitive athletics started at school. Theodore Barnes, is representing SA at the Special Olympics in Namibia. Team SA pics Theodore Barnes, is representing SA at the Special Olympics in Namibia. Team SA pics Image: Team SA pics
The South African
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
South Africa win gold at Dance World Cup
In another moment of national pride and global recognition, South Africa clinched the gold medal in the Senior Dance Group – Street Dance category at the 2025 Dance World Cup, held in Spain. This prestigious international competition draws top dance talent from over 60 countries, but it was South Africa's dynamic energy, flawless choreography, and cultural flair that lit up the stage and earned them top honours. More than just a medal win, this triumph is a celebration of dedication, diversity, and artistic excellence. Representing a wide array of dance schools and backgrounds, the South African dancers poured their hearts into every performance, embodying both technical brilliance and emotional depth. A viral TikTok video shared by @ gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at Team SA's journey. @ #fyp #viral #danceworldcup #MGHHDA ♬ South Africa Anthem (Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika) – National Anthems Orchestra The team wowed audiences not only in street dance, but also across a range of categories including contemporary, hip-hop, and traditional dance, showcasing their versatility and storytelling ability. The performances sent a clear message: South Africa is home to young, passionate dancers with an unwavering love for the craft and deep pride in their roots. Social media erupted with admiration, as users praised the team's authenticity, unity, and cultural expression. The dancers' confident moves and expressive faces struck a chord with viewers, igniting a wave of national pride. The Dance World Cup is more than a competition – it's a global celebration of culture and artistry. And this year, South Africa didn't just participate; they stole the show. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
14-06-2025
- Sport
- News24
Captain Temba's legacy of legend secured as Proteas make history
Captain Temba Bavuma celebrates winning the World Test Championship on Saturday. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now
