Tokyo Olympics: Medals, disappointment and controversy for Africa on day four

Tatjana Schoenmaker and Bianca Buitendag both won silver on day four of the Olympics to claim South Africa’s first medals of Tokyo 2020.

However there was disappointment for South Africa men’s rugby sevens team as they failed to reach the semi-finals and a possible medal.

Moroccan boxer Youness Baalla was at the centre of controversy in the boxing ring as he attempted to bite his opponent from New Zealand.

In the women’s football Zambia’s Copper Queens lost 1-0 to Brazil in their final group to crash out of the tournament.

Swimming

South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker had to settle for silver in the women’s 100m breaststroke as she finished behind surprise winner the USA’s Lydia Jacoby.

Schoenmaker qualified fastest for the final having set the Olympic record in the heats but was edged out by 17-year-old Jacoby for the gold with USA’s world record holder Lilly King winning bronze.

“It is amazing. I really hope this brings a little bit of hope for South Africa and we are obviously going through a tough time at the moment,” she said.

“If that shows us there’s hope in South Africa then it is because obviously, we know sport unites countries we have seen it with the rugby world cup so hopefully the Olympics does the same.”

She has another chance in the pool when she races in Wednesday’s heats of her preferred event the 200m breaststroke, in which she is the reigning world silver medallist.

“I am a bit nervous for that but I am excited we have a whole days rest. I can’t wait to sleep a little and refocus for the 200,” she added.

“See how it goes in the heats and then build up to that I am ready and I feel I am in a good place and in good form.”

Her compatriot Chad le Clos reached Wednesday’s final of the men’s 200m butterfly third fastest after he won his semi-final.

The 29-year-old is aiming for his fifth Olympic medal and second gold, after he won the 200m butterfly title at London 2012.

Source: BBC