‘I wish I could give you more,’- fan gifts Tatjana Smith R100 as token of appreciation

by Staff Bona

South Africans gathered by the hundreds and thousands to welcome back three of South Africa’s Olympic medalists, Tatjana Smith, Bayanda Walaza and Bradley Nkoana.

South Africa’s Olympic team had a strong show at this year’s games and walked away with six medals in total (one gold, three silver and two bronzes). The Mens Sevens Rugby team and cyclist, Alan Hatherly, secured hard-earned bronze medals, while javelin star, Jo-Ane Van Dyk, secured an impressive silver medal.

The two standout performers were swimming sensation, Tatjana Smith, who announced her retirement after winning a gold and silver medal in the 100m and the 200m breaststroke, respectively, as well Akani Simbine who led the men’s 4x100m team to a silver medal win.

South Africa’s 4x100m relay team, made up of Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, and two teenagers, Bayanda Walaza and Bradley Nkoana, secured a historic silver medal in an African record time of 37.57 seconds.

The trio arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg this morning to thunderous roars of support. Smith was greeted by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, as she paraded around the airport with a South African flag and her gold medal draped around her neck as she posed for pictures and and gave autographs to fans. One fan gave Tatjana R100 to thank her for being an inspiration.

“Love you, I wish I could give you more,” the fan said.

Following Tatjana’s arrival, Bayanda and Nkoana arrived later in the morning with equally thunderous cheers. Bayanda, who is still in matric at Curro Hazeldean, was greeted by his schoolmates, his mother his grandmother and his best friend.

Bandile’s mother was very proud of his achievement and said she had so many mixed emotions. When she found out her son was going to run, she was worried about him as a young boy but said he was brave after seeing the results.

Bradleys’s family was also in full support as his grandfather spoke about how proud and excited he was to see him again. Nkoana grew up in foster care with his grandparents, and the social worker who looked after him was also proud of his incredible achievement.

First published by: African Insider

Compiled by: Matthew Petersen

Also see: How South Africa shined at the Olympics this past week