On the 2nd November 2011,
according to News 24, SASCOC president Gideon Sam was still confident that his
dream of 12 medals for South Africa at the London Olympics can be achieved.
He felt informed by what other countries like New Zealand, Kenya, Holland,
Sweden and Australia had achieved. Sam said “I looked at things like their
population, GDP and performance at the last Games in Beijing in 2008 and asked
deep questions about us and the talent or lack of it that we have at our
disposal. This exercise told me that with better plan and co-ordination, we
should, all things being equal, perform better in London."
The London Olympics commence on the 27th July and end on the 12th August 2012. In the
2008 Beijing Olympics a total of 958 medals were won of which South Africa won
one. The United States of America won 110.
Did Sam set us up for failure or is it
important to dream big? My opinion is that we dream to give us inspiration and
passion, in the full knowledge that very few actually come true.
Dreams aside, which names spring to mind for
you as South Africa’s Summer Olympics medal hopefuls? Qualifications have been
achieved in athletics, rowing, canoeing, road cycling, hockey and equestrian
events. Can you think of potential medal winners? Post the names and check on
the 12th August how accurate you were.
Dr Steve
L.J. van Zyl will win a medal. Caster will win a medal. The Blade Runner will come last.
ReplyDeleteIf all our athletes are mentally prepared to take on the "big match temperament" then perhaps a few medals are on the cards. Chad in swimming, L.J. & Khotso on the track. 12 medals though I think is too much. 6 is a possibility and perhaps 8.
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