Tokyo 2020 Olympics Daily Review – 26 July 2021

It was a strong morning for South Africa in the Olympics as the Blitzboks got off to a winning start with a 33-14 victory over Ireland. They were back in action in the afternoon, beating Kenya 14-5 in a solid defensive display.

Tries by Siviwe Soyizwapi and Selvyn Davids eased @TeamSA2020 into a 14-5 win over Kenya to finish the day top of pool C. pic.twitter.com/QjUMH6THP1

— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) July 26, 2021

Furthermore, Tatjana Schoenmaker qualified for the final of the women’s 100m breaststroke, beating American star Lilly King.

Tatjana Schoenmaker downed loud-mouthed Olympic champion Lilly King of the US in the 100m breaststroke heats on Monday morning to claim pole position for Tuesday’s final. https://t.co/Bli5Fh2Fhe

— Daily Dispatch (@Dispatch_DD) July 26, 2021

Surfing fans would have been disappointed to see Jordy Smith pull out of the Olympics, but Bianca Buitendag gave them renewed hope as she shocked seven-time world champion, Stephanie Gilmore, in round three, booking her spot in the quarter-finals.

After a difficult month for the country and a disappointing sporting weekend, Monday’s Olympic action has offered Mzansi a much-needed positive start to the new week.