Tokyo 2020 Olympics Daily Review – 27 July 2021

Tuesday was a mixed day for South Africans, as there was both delight and heartbreak under unexpected circumstances.

Many South Africans would have expected the Blitzboks to come home with a medal, but they were beaten 19-14 in the quarter-finals by an Argentina side which played most of the game with six men and the dying seconds with five.

However, Tatjana Schoenmaker gave the country reason to smile as she picked up a silver medal in the women’s 100m breaststroke.

Bianca Buitendag was the surprise package for Team SA. Few would have expected South Africa to come home with a surfing medal after Jordy Smith’s withdrawal from the Games due to injury, but Buitendag won silver.

On the football front, Zambia were carrying the flag for Africa in the women’s tournament, but their run has come to an end despite a valiant performance in a 1-0 defeat to Brazil.

Wednesday promises more excitement, although the mood around Mzansi may be slightly bleaker than it would have been if the Blitzboks were still at the party.

Leonard Solms

Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.