Chad le Clos

Swimming star Chad le Clos is South Africa’s most decorated Olympian of all time with four medals to his name. Will he add to that tally in Tokyo? Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

On this day in South African sports history – 3 August

South African sports history on this day 3 August has seen great successes, near misses and dismal failures.

Chad le Clos

Swimming star Chad le Clos is South Africa’s most decorated Olympian of all time with four medals to his name. Will he add to that tally in Tokyo? Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

The third day of August is infamous as the date when hostilities kicked off in the First World War but on this day we celebrate the birth of a former Springbok captain.

On this day in 1966, the South African government banned the music of the Beatles

On this day – 3 August

1954 – Springbok captain Divan Serfontein was born on this day in 1954. Serfontein currently serves on the board of Namibian Rugby.

1996 – The Springboks beat the Wallabies 25-19 in a Tri-Nations match in Bloemfontein. The All Blacks won the inaugural Southern Hemisphere international series.

2005 – South Africa lost 34-62 to the United States of America in the Australian Football International Cup in Melbourne.

On this day
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 3: General action during the AFL International Cup match between the USA and South Africa at Murphy Reserve on this day August 3, 2005 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

2008 – Retief Goosen finishes third at the 2008 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Goosen led after the first round but was overtaken by eventual winner Vijay Singh in the second round.

On this day
Retief Goosen of South Africa plays a shot on the 3rd hole during the final round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course on this day August 3, 2008 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Ima

2002 – Sarah Poewe wins a Silver Medal in the Women’s 100M Breaststroke swimming Final from the Manchester Aquatics centre during the Commonwealth Games.

2012 – Chad Le Clos wins the Silver Medal behind American Olympic legend Michael Phelps in the Men’s 100m Butterfly Final on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre.

2013 – Chad Le Clos wins the Gold Medal in the Swimming Men’s Butterfly 100m Final on day fifteen of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain.

On this day
Chad Le Clos of South Africa celebrates after the Swimming Men’s Butterfly 100m Final on day fifteen of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on August 3, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

On this day 2 August