Sporting highlights: 2024 Grand Prix Series 3 and more

Photo credit: Daily Maverick

The past week was a whirlwind of African sporting excitement, highlighted by the 2024 Grand Prix Series 3, the 13th African Games and the Women’s Proteas triumphant victory over Sri Lanka.

2024 Grand Prix Series 3

The 2024 Athletics Grand Prix Series 3 set the tracks of the University of Johannesburg ablaze on Wednesday, March 27th. Africa’s athletic stars shone brightly, claiming victory in numerous events.

South Africa

South Africa’s Cheswill Johnson sprinted to gold in the Men’s 100m, clocking an impressive time of 10.18 seconds in the initial final.

Mondray Barnard furthered South Africa’s success by clinching gold with a swift 13.74-second finish in the Men’s 110m hurdles final.

Le Roux Hamman extended South Africa’s dominance, securing gold in the Men’s 400m hurdles second final, crossing the line in 49.40 seconds.

Brian Raats soared to victory in the Men’s high jump final, achieving a height of 2.20 meters and adding another gold to South Africa’s tally.

Arend Pretorius contributed to his country’s medal haul with a remarkable 4.90-meter jump in the Men’s pole vault final.

Burger Lambrechts Jr. furthered South Africa’s success by securing gold in the Men’s shot put final with a powerful throw of 20.13 meters.

South Africa maintained its stronghold, claiming gold in the Men’s 4x400m relay with a time of 3:06.52.

Tamzin Thomas bolstered South Africa’s success by winning the Women’s 100m final with an outstanding finish of 11.48 seconds.

Chane Vermeulen powered through to secure gold in the Women’s 400m final, crossing the line decisively in 52.83 seconds.

Gena Lofstrand triumphed in the Women’s 800m final, clocking a time of 2:04.50 and adding another gold to South Africa’s collection.

Tumi Ramokgopa impressed in the Women’s 400m hurdles final, clinching gold with a time of 57.84 seconds.

Naane Atang leaped to victory for South Africa in the Women’s long jump final with a powerful 6.21-meter jump.

Heidi Booysen continued South Africa’s dominance with a gold-winning throw of 15.15 meters in the Women’s shot put final.

South Africa’s team surged to victory in the Women’s 4x400m relay, crossing the finish line in 3:38.21.

The South African team concluded their campaign on a high note, clinching gold in the Mixed 4x400m Relay final with a time of 3:14.97, setting a new national record.

Botswana

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo claimed victory in the Men’s 200m, clocking a time of 19.94 seconds in the second final.

Botswana added to its medal tally as Tshepiso Masalela claimed gold with a time of 3:42.39 in the Men’s 1500m final.

Namibia

Namibia joined the winners’ circle as Ryan Williams made a mighty throw of 55.37 meters in the Men’s discus throw, securing gold.

13th African Games

The 13th African Games culminated in a thrilling finale on Saturday, March 23rd, featuring epic showdowns across various disciplines, with competitors from across the continent competing fiercely.

Egypt emerged as the undisputed champion, seizing the African crown with a remarkable haul of 191 medals – 102 gold, 47 silver, and 42 bronze. Nigeria secured the second position with an impressive tally of 121 medals, including 47 gold, 33 silver, and 41 bronze, while South Africa claimed the third spot with a total of 106 medals – comprising 32 gold, 32 silver, and 42 bronze.

Women Proteas

On Wednesday, March 27th, the Women’s Proteas kicked off their T20 series against Sri Lanka in style, winning by 79 runs to lead 1-0 after game day one of three. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt secured the Player of the Match in style, after her inspirational performance, scoring 102 runs from 63 balls.

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