KAZAN, RUSSIA – AUGUST 07: Chad le Clos of South Africa competes in the Men’s 100m Butterfly heats on day fourteen of the 16th FINA World Championships at the Kazan Arena on August 7, 2015 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
The Olympic events all South Africans must watch this weekend
On the track, on the streets, in the pool… South Africans are all over the place in Rio this weekend. Here’s where to find them.
KAZAN, RUSSIA – AUGUST 07: Chad le Clos of South Africa competes in the Men’s 100m Butterfly heats on day fourteen of the 16th FINA World Championships at the Kazan Arena on August 7, 2015 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Men’s 400m Heats. Saturday August 13. From 2am.
Get your first glimpse of Cape Town’s finest, Wayde van Niekerk, as he does his first lap of the Maracana stadium. Cousin Cheslin Kolbe has already pocketed a bronze medal with the Blitzboks. Can the sprinter go one, or even two, better? Also look out for the semi-finals in the early hours of Sunday.
Men’s 100m Butterfly Final. Saturday August 13. 3.12am.
The last individual event for London 2012 golden boy Chad le Clos. He’s had a mixed old time of it in Rio so far, with a silver medal to his name, but disappointment against nemesis Michael Phelps in the 200m Butterfly. Half the distance, twice the success, for our shadow-boxing sensation. Maybe.
Women’s 100m Round One. Saturday August 13. From 3.40am.
Carina Horn and Alyssa Conley are both off and running in the wee small hours in this hotly-contested, blue riband discipline. Don’t forget to buy a second television so you don’t miss the swimming on the other side as the action hots up across Rio.
Men’s 50m Freestyle Final. Saturday August 13. 3.44am.
Brad Tandy follows hot on the heels of Le Clos as matters in the pool head towards their climax. Squeaking into the final as the eighth-fastest in his semi, it’s a long shot for Tandy. But he’s bought a ticket, so may just win that raffle.
Women’s 400m Heats. Saturday August 13. From 4pm.
Justine Palframan and Tsholofelo Thipe carry the flag for the South African females over one circuit, with the semi-finals and final to follow early next week.
Men’s Long Jump Final. Sunday August 14. From 1.50am.
Subject to qualification, South Africa could have a trio of Luvo Manyonga, Rushwahl Samaai and Stefan Brits all in contention for a medal in the sand pit. Or they could all have been knocked out in the heats. Here’s hoping.
Women’s Marathon. Sunday August 14. From 2.30pm.
Irvette van Zyl, Christine Kalmer and Dina Lebo Phalula lead the charge as the ladies pound the streets of Rio de Janeiro before finishing in the famous Maracana. And it’s at an acceptable time of day, so you have no excuse not to tune in.
