South African’s Olympians received a warm welcome from chanting fans, who were dancing and waving posters while anticipating the arrival of their heroes at OR Tambo International Airport this morning, 14 August 2012.

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula stated that the 2012 London Olympic Games was South Africa’s best performance; bringing home six medals and ranking in 24th position. Cameron van der Burgh won SA’s first gold medal for the 2012 games, breaking a world record for the men’s 100 breast stroke.  Chad le Clos won gold for the men’s 200m butterfly and silver in the 100m butterfly. SA’s third gold was won by rowers Sizwe Ndlovu, Matthew Brittain, John Smith and James Thompson in the men’s lightweight four, while Bridgitte Hartley won bronze in the women’s kayak single K-1500m sprint. The last medal for the games was won by Caster Semenya who won silver in the women’s 800m.

The Mission in Brussels commends the efforts of the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and applauds all South African Olympians for their hard work, dedication and perseverance, their outstanding performance is a great inspiration to the youth in South Africa.