Share

Manyonga grabs another silver for SA

Rio de Janeiro - For a while, it looked like Luvo Manyonga was on course to win Team South Africa its first gold medal at the Rio Olympics. 

But then, with his final attempt of the night, American Jeff Henderson jumped 8.38m - one centimetre further than Manyonga had gone with his fifth attempt.

It was agonisingly close for the 25-year-old Manyonga, but in the end it is a result that he will take and one that gives South Africa their fifth silver medal at the Games to add to their solitary bronze.

Manyonga had jumped 8.28m with his fourth attempt to take the lead, and when he bettered that to 8.37m with his fifth attempt South Africans thought they were about to upset the odds.

It was not to be, but Manyonga did manage to push defending champion Greg Rutherford into third.

There was a moment of controversy on the final jump of the night when Jarrion Lawson thought he had launched himself into contention only for replays to show that his left hand had trailed behind him and touched the sand, costing him at least 50cm.  

Manyonga's team-mate Rushwahl Samaai finished a disappointing ninth with a best of 7.97m.

Lloyd Burnard is Sport24's correspondent in Rio de Janeiro for the duration of the 2016 Olympics ...

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% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 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