Rio de Janeiro - South Africa won its 8th medal of the Rio Olympics in the triathlon on Thursday through Henri Schoeman in what was a largely unexpected result.
In the build-up to the Games, South Africa's in the event were on Richard Murray to deliver something special.
Murray finished 4th, but the moment belonged to Schoeman, who was ecstatic afterwards.
South Africans and the world took to Twitter to congratulate the 24-year-old.
Many wouldn't have heard of him before Thursday, but that is all set to change now that he is an Olympic medallist.
. @AliBrownleetri @jonny_brownlee @H_Schoeman #triathlon #olympics congratulations! pic.twitter.com/GmgJMBpnFV
— Olympics (@Olympics) August 18, 2016
Henri Schoeman brings TEAM SA. MEDAL COUNT to 8 #teamSArise ???????? pic.twitter.com/RT4IZPCwuH
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) August 18, 2016
Incredible performance by @H_Schoeman & @RD_murray - finishing 3rd & 4th @Rio2016_en! Super exciting race to watch! #teamSArise #proudlySA
— Ashleigh Moolman (@ashleighcycling) August 18, 2016
What a beast @H_Schoeman Well done! #Olympics
— Cameron vd Burgh (@Cameronvdburgh) August 18, 2016
@henri_schoeman 3rd @rd_murray 4th
— Basson Engelbrecht (@Bassoneng) August 18, 2016
What an Olympics for SA Triathlon so far ???????? @marirabie & @gillcurrsanders next pic.twitter.com/vVdzHZ26pQ
What a moment forSA and @H_Schoeman - first podium finish ! You made us proud! #teamSArise pic.twitter.com/i3ZXoWP5Nc
— Elana Meyer (@elanameyer) August 18, 2016
Henri Schoeman, take a bow! Magnificent race for #triathlon BRONZE! Medal number 8 for @teamsa16
— Ryk Neethling (@RykNeethling) August 18, 2016
Once again sport brings us all together in this great nation! Well done #henrischoeman #Rio2016 #Olympics #ProudlySouthAfrican
— Gareth Jenkinson (@gazza_jenks) August 18, 2016
With ecstatic bronze medalist @H_Schoeman at the post event presser.Terrific day for triathlon. 3rd&4th #RSA #teamSA pic.twitter.com/fj5jnxb9OG
— Bronwyn Roets (@bronwynr1) August 18, 2016
Another Medal for us,Welldone Henri Schoeman,We super proud #bronze #RSA #Olympics ??????????
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) August 18, 2016