Share

Ryk: 12 medals too high

Johannesburg - Olympic gold medal winner Ryk Neethling expects South Africans to do well at the London Games this year, reports the Sowetan.

He said: "I think we will be getting less medals than the 12 being targeted, but I'm sure the athletes will do well.

"We have some quality athletes who will be representing the country."

South African Olympians have been set a 12-medal target for the London Olympics by officials desperate to put behind them a dismal showing in Beijing four years ago.

A silver medal from long jumper Khotso Mokoena was the sole reward after sending 265 athletes to China and strict qualifying conditions have been set ahead of the 2012 Games to try and avoid similar embarrassment.

Olympics organisation president Gideon Sam said three years ago that he wanted 12 medals in London and has not budged from his stance despite widespread scepticism among a public and media weary of false sporting promises.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE