Netball is the centre circle for Leonard Masao
The former provincial player did what every netballer does, but in his own remarkable way. He pivoted and changed direction to become South Africa’s highest-ranked male umpire in the sport.
Stories by: Karien Jonckheere
Ayrton Sweeney is on point for his pool performance
The first male synchronised swimmer to represent South Africa has only been at it for a few months, but he’s glad he switched from his previous events to embrace this graceful yet difficult sport.
Dreams without borders keep Kobe Ndebele swimming
As his name suggests, Kobe Alessandro has a diverse background reaching across many countries and continents. For now he’s in the United States, but South Africa is his true home.
Christine Mboma outruns the limits imposed on her
Despite a painful injury and being banned from certain sprint events, the Namibian athlete is staying positive and is determined to enjoy running and reach greater heights in her career.
Lwandile Simelane wants to get sport back on track
Sascoc’s first vice-president is happy to deal with the ‘nice, boring, interesting stuff’ that is sports governance if it means creating opportunities and incomes for South Africa’s top athletes.
Chad le Clos’ deep waters of depression
The South African swimmer went through a dip in performance last year after a traumatic experience left him struggling mentally. But after therapy, he’s in winning form again.
Michaela Onyenwere wants to use her wins for good
As she heads into her second season of women’s pro basketball in the US, Onyenwere aims to use her platform to speak out about race in particular.
Could Angella Okutoyi be the next Serena Williams?
The young Kenyan tennis player is driven by her humble beginnings and feeling confident after a good run at the junior Australian Open to do better at Roland Garros.
Anthon Bosch is no stranger to adversity
Covid travel bans prevented the snowboarder from being the first to represent South Africa at a Winter Games, but he has no doubt he will get there and become a flagbearer for social equality.
Golden future beckons for swimmer Matt Sates
The teenager has amassed loads of medals, and most of them are gold. Having won some money at the World Cup, he now feels he is free to dedicate himself fully to swimming. His next goal? Olympic glory.
Lenize Potgieter opens up about her depression
A few tough knocks left the Proteas netball player in need of a sabbatical. Now she’s sharing her mental health struggles, hoping it will encourage more elite athletes to talk about and normalise it.
SA umpires sign off on top
Peter Wright and Michelle Joubert, two of South Africa’s five hockey officials at the Olympics, continued the country’s fine tradition at the Games. Getting there took planning, fitness training and mental preparation.
South African water polo is rising from deep waters
Participation in the notoriously underfunded sport has mostly been restricted to players from elite former all-white schools. But being part of Team SA for the Tokyo Games has the potential to change that.
Phathokuhle Zondi’s many sporting hats
The sports doc approaches her role of caring for athletes with passion and enjoys what she says is a privileged journey despite the race and gender challenges she has been forced to overcome.
Nijel Amos’ spirit not dampened by Tokyo setback
The Botswana middle-distance runner suffered an injury in qualifiers and could not make a podium finish in the finals. Though gutted, he is hard at work again and hopes to do better in the next Games.
Rising from a green bottom to beat the water blues
Kat Swanepoel hated the pool as a child, but having discovered para swimming through a friend just two years ago, she is ready to represent Team South Africa at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
The sound of silence that’s been the 2020 Olympics
The Tokyo Games have been marked by strict and demanding Covid-19 protocols. But for most athletes, the lack of noisy, enthusiastic supporters cheering them on has been its signature feature.
Tatjana Schoenmaker’s Tokyo delight
The South African sensation had to ‘learn to love swimming again’ after missing out on Rio, but her efforts were rewarded with gold and a new world record at the Olympics in Japan.
Lighting a candle for love, victory and country
Akani Simbine and Jo Prins find strength in each other, their faith and being able to share what it takes to be the best in their respective sports. Theirs is really … er … a match made in heaven.
Sabrina Simader – Kenya’s proud ‘Snow Leopard’
The alpine ski racer, who has lived in Austria since she was three, explains why wearing the colours of the East African nation matters to her.
The pool superintendent who keeps swimmers afloat
The University of Pretoria’s swimming team as well as the elite athletes who train at its spotless facility are fortunate to have Abel Mokoena who enables their dreams and carries them in his heart.