The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have arrived, and UJ is proud to have both current students and alumni competing.
Caitlin Rooskrantz (gymnastics), Lythe Pillay (athletics), and Yane van der Merwe are among the current UJ student-athletes showcasing their talents. Additionally, six other UJ-affiliated athletes are making their mark.
For the daily Paris 2024 Schedule and Results, click here.
Team South Africa will be represented in 19 different codes by a total number of 138 athletes, with a few changes from the two previous announcements made by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). The announced squad also has 9 reserves for several codes.
Team South Africa includes the three current UJ students, four alumni and former students who were UJ athletics student-athletes and club members. The UJ Olympic and Paralympic contingent includes:
Athletics
- Cheswill Johnson – long jump – alumnus
- Lythe Pillay – 400m/4x400m relay – current student
- Cian Oldknow – marathon – alumna
- Kyle Blignaut – shot put – former student
- Ryan Mphahlele – 1500m – former student
Gymnastics
- Caitlin Rooskrantz – floor, vault, bar, beam – current student
Rugby Sevens
- Ronald Brown – alumnus – non-traveling reserve
- Shaun Williams – alumnus
- Tumelo Leseke – 7s ladies team – Alumnus and former UJ Ladies Team Manager
- Maria Tshiremba (Club Member)
Paralympics
- Yane van der Merwe – Discus F44 Class – current Master’s student
- Pieter du Preez – Para Cycling Time Trial and Road Race T51 – alumnus
“The university’s consistent production of top-tier athletes is a testament to its commitment to sports development. These Olympians and Paralympians serve as inspiring role models for current and future UJ students. We wish Team South Africa the very best in the Games and hope that they bring home some medals,” says Ms Nompilo Zondi, Senior Manager: UJ Sport Clubs.
Although the Paris 2024 Olympics only officially begins at Friday’s opening ceremony, competition starts on Wednesday, 24 July 2024 with Team SA involved in rugby sevens action at the iconic Stade de France. The South African men’s team will play Ireland in Pool A at 5.30pm, followed by a match against New Zealand at 9.30pm (CAT).
Financial Rewards for podium finishers:
In a bid to motivate and reward exceptional athletic performance, South Africa has announced financial incentives for its Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Individual Athletes:
- Gold Medal: Athlete receives R400 000, coach receives R100 000.
- Silver Medal: Athlete receives R200 000, coach receives R50 000.
- Bronze Medal: Athlete receives R75 000, coach receives R25 000.
Team Sports and Relays:
- Gold Medal: Each athlete receives R100 000, coach receives R100 000.
- Silver Medal: Each athlete receives R75 000, coach receives R75 000.
- Bronze Medal: Each athlete receives R50 000, coach receives R50 000.
Boat Categories (Two Athletes):
- Gold Medal: Each athlete receives R200 000, coach receives R100 000.
- Silver Medal: Each athlete receives R100 000, coach receives R50 000.
- Bronze Medal: Each athlete receives R40 000, coach receives R20 000.
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