Seven RSA Universiade Medallists heading to the Olympics

CAPETOWN – For proof that FISU’s Summer Universiades are indeed a stepping stone to greater heights for some of the world’s best athletes, look no further than the South African 2016 Rio Olympics squad, which contains seven Student Games medallists who will be gunning for glory on the biggest global sporting stage in Brazil.Jobodwana (RSA) with his Kazan gold

South Africa’s 137-member contingent for next month’s Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro was recently announced, with the squad dotted with individuals who have proven their worth and staked their claim at the world’s second-biggest multi-sporting event – the FISU Summer Universiade.

Justine PalframanThe majority are track athletes, headlined by Kazan 2013 gold-medallist Anaso Jobodwana, who did the sprint double by winning both the 100m and 200m event in Russia three years ago. The talented speedster is joined by Kazan 2013 10,000m goal-medallist and half-marathon silver-medallist Stephen Mokoka, both of whom are attending the Olympics for the second time in their careers. Jobodwana finished eighth in the 200m Final at London 2012, while Mokoka ended a respectable 49^th in the half-marathon event four years ago.

Joining their fellow track athletes are Rynhardt van Rensburg (800m bronze at Gwangju 2015), Wayde van Niekerk (4x400m Kazan 2013 bronze) and women’s 400m gold medallist at last year’s Universiade, Justine Palframan.

Simbine

One of the biggest stars, however, is sprint sensation Akani Simbine, the Gwangju 2015 100m gold medallist who just this week broke the South African national record in the 100m. The 22-year-old clocked a blistering 9.89 seconds at the Gyulai István Memorial in Budapest, beating accomplished Jamaican athlete Asafa Powell to gold at that meet.

First-time Olympian Simbine could not hide his joy at being selected to represent his country in Rio.

“IT’S OFFICIAL!!!! I’m going to be an Olympian,” Simbine wrote via social media.

“So honoured and excited to be named in the team that is going to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games. It’s no longer just a dream but now my reality.”

Rounding off the Universiade medallists heading to Brazil is South African rower Kirsten McCann, who won the lightweight single sculls gold in 2013.

No doubt the above athletes will use their experiences and taste of international competition at the Universiades to achieve Olympic glory, with their FISU glory aiding their path in becoming world-renowned super stars.

Fabio De Dominicis (RSA), U-Media Reporter