Latest news with #TeamSA
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Theodore Barnes: South Africa's self-trained athlete making waves at the Special Olympics
Theodore Barnes, a self-trained athlete from Delft, is representing South Africa at the Special Olympics in Namibia. Image: Team SA There is something very special about 21-year-old Theodore Barnes from Delft who is representing South Africa at the Special Olympics in Namibia for athletics. He is self-trained and his own coach, under the watchful eye of his devoted family who helped him train for months. Barnes is currently one of 12 Team SA athletes who are competing in the Region Five Games, Special Olympics category, and flew join the games last week. The games feature athletes with intellectual disabilities. Barnes is no stranger to the competitive track. In 2022, while a learner at Be-EL School in Kuils River, he was selected to be part of the Special Olympics held in Limpopo and returned with gold. What makes Barnes even more special is that he does not let his Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stand in his way. Speaking with his sister, Zudith Parish, she said their family was thrilled that he was selected. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'We are very proud of him and my mother, Marjorie, when she heard that he has been selected, she jumped into the air,' she said. 'He just celebrated his 21st birthday and he was given a new pair of running spikes as a gift so it came at the right time. 'For two years he coached rugby and played club rugby in Delft for six years. 'Theodore never ran for a club but for his school. 'He has been training himself using videos on YouTube. "We will go with him to the sports field and we will time him. 'He does not have a coach and is seeking a club.' Theodore Barnes, a self-trained athlete from Delft, is representing South Africa at the Special Olympics in Namibia, is with his family before his departure. Image: supplied Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, wished Barnes well. 'He is a true example of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and belief. Sport has the power to bring hope and joy to our communities and he is spreading that hope to others. He is a true role model for other athletes and we will be cheering him on as he competes at this competition." During an interview with Team SA media, Barnes said he always dreamed of being on television and told of how competitive athletics started at school. Theodore Barnes, is representing SA at the Special Olympics in Namibia. Team SA pics Theodore Barnes, is representing SA at the Special Olympics in Namibia. Team SA pics Image: Team SA pics
The South African
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
South Africa win gold at Dance World Cup
In another moment of national pride and global recognition, South Africa clinched the gold medal in the Senior Dance Group – Street Dance category at the 2025 Dance World Cup, held in Spain. This prestigious international competition draws top dance talent from over 60 countries, but it was South Africa's dynamic energy, flawless choreography, and cultural flair that lit up the stage and earned them top honours. More than just a medal win, this triumph is a celebration of dedication, diversity, and artistic excellence. Representing a wide array of dance schools and backgrounds, the South African dancers poured their hearts into every performance, embodying both technical brilliance and emotional depth. A viral TikTok video shared by @ gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at Team SA's journey. @ #fyp #viral #danceworldcup #MGHHDA ♬ South Africa Anthem (Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika) – National Anthems Orchestra The team wowed audiences not only in street dance, but also across a range of categories including contemporary, hip-hop, and traditional dance, showcasing their versatility and storytelling ability. The performances sent a clear message: South Africa is home to young, passionate dancers with an unwavering love for the craft and deep pride in their roots. Social media erupted with admiration, as users praised the team's authenticity, unity, and cultural expression. The dancers' confident moves and expressive faces struck a chord with viewers, igniting a wave of national pride. The Dance World Cup is more than a competition – it's a global celebration of culture and artistry. And this year, South Africa didn't just participate; they stole the show. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
14-06-2025
- Sport
- News24
Captain Temba's legacy of legend secured as Proteas make history
Captain Temba Bavuma celebrates winning the World Test Championship on Saturday. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Caster Semenya highlights South Africa's medal potential at World Athletics Championships
Caster Semenya, now focusing on coaching, has talked up SA's medal chances in Tokyo later this year. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Caster Semenya is confident in SA's medal prospects at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo in September, but called for more backing for South African athletes. TeamSA, especially the sprinters, are continuing to light up international meets. Sprinter Akani Simbine is unbeaten in the 100m so far this year, while youngster Bayanda Walaza is staking his claim as the heir apparent. Zakithi Nene boasts the fastest time over the men's 400m so far in 2025. 'I think if you can continue being consistent and working hard we'll do great,' Semenya told Independent Media on Sunday at the Comrades. 'Simbine is doing quite well; he has been consistent and unbeaten this year, so I'm happy with where he is. And obviously, the young boy Walaza is coming okay. I wish them the best of luck in terms of being consistent throughout the season and wish them the best of luck in the championship. 'Then in the road running, we have the Glenrose Xabas who are doing well. Adriaan Wildschutt is doing great, so if we continue being great like that I don't see a problem.' The former multiple Olympic and world champion over 800m is also confident of current star Prudence Sekgodiso chances over the distance at the showpiece event. South African middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso showed that she has taken another significant step forward by claiming gold in the indoor champs earlier this year in a SA record of 1:58.40. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Sekgodiso, the world indoor 800m champion and Paris 2024 Olympian, is coached by former South African middle-distance runner Samuel Sepeng. 'They are building up to the world championships. With her form I think anything can happen,' Semenya said. 'The best that she could do is to make sure that she's patient enough and make sure that she eyes being in the final, because once you are in the final anything is possible. 'As for the rest of the track and field family, they're in a good state. We were able to win medals in the world relays.' Semenya insists that they won't succeed without backing. 'It also comes down to the leadership, the management. They need to learn how to invest in these athletes, making sure that athletes are well taken care of,' she said.
IOL News
08-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Steyn secures fourth Comrades, grateful for rising competition
Gerda Steyn won hewre fourth Comrades on Sunday. Photo: Leon Lestrade Independent Media Image: Leon Lestrade Independent Media The reign is likely to continue unabated — at least for the foreseeable future. But there's every reason to believe it will not be the no-contest it had been in previous years. Gerda Steyn's fourth victory in the Comrades Marathon was not as compellingly dominant as her previous three. The Smiling Assassin beat second-placed Alexandra Morozova by just three minutes, clocking 5:51:09 in Sunday's Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Steyn sportingly welcomed the challenge, with the Russian runner — who won three years ago in her absence — just a minute behind at one stage of the race. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'To have had that competition was also good, not just for me to raise my performance but also for the race,' Steyn said, during the post-race media conference deep in the bowels of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. 'It is no surprise to see a tight time of only three minutes between us, because Alexandra had done well. We can expect faster times to come — and Comrades deserves it.' The Hollywood Athletics Club star said she relishes being challenged and enjoys seeing more talented runners enter the race because 'it is exciting to get competition. "As I said in the pre-race conference," she added, "we are entertainers, and I hope it (the race) was great to watch. It is not a one-woman show. "When I heard Alex (Morozova) had gained a minute on me at Fields Hill, it made me work harder. The competition makes me want to be in my very best shape whenever I go into the race.' Queen of Comrades! 👑🇿🇦 Gerda Steyn crossed the finish line in 5:51:19 to secure her 4th Comrades Marathon title! A phenomenal performance from Gerda.🏃♀️🔥#Comrades2025 #TeamSA #ForMyCountry — Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) June 8, 2025
