Silver, Bronze Boost Team SA Tally

Photo cred: Frennie Shivambu

Team South Africa strengthened their medal tally at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games on Monday, after the Under-17 rugby sevens outfit settled for silver following a spirited setback to France in the final, while swimmer Chanel Veldsman clinched bronze in the women’s 200m breaststroke.

The two podium finishes raised South Africa’s overall medal count to three, continuing a stupendous campaign in Senegal.

Veldsman produced a gutsy swim to conclude third, behind Japan’s Mana Ishikawa and China’s Mohan Chang, securing a historic bronze medal.

The 17 year old swimmer revealed her win as magnificent, after stepping onto the podium. “I am so proud to have won this medal. It is an incredible achievement and to bring home bronze for my country means the world to me. I am not looking too far ahead and I will take everything one step at a time from here, but for now, I am going to savour this unforgettable moment,” she said.

South Africa’s rugby sevens team, meanwhile, came agonisingly close to Olympic gold.

The opponents, France struck early in the final, with a converted try before South Africa responded to narrow the score to 7-5. However, the French finished the opening half with resolute, to establish a commanding 21-5 advantage.

The South Africans mounted a robust comeback after the break, reducing the score difference to just two points as they piled pressure on their opponents. Despite their relentless attack, France converted a late try after the final hooter to seal the victory and leave South Africa with the silver medal.

Head coach Sandile Ngcobo lauded his players for their resilience throughout the tournament. “I am really proud of the fight we showed throughout the tournament and I thought we could have won the final. In a match like that it comes down to the finest margins and mere moments and unfortunately those margins did not fall our way. We are still very proud to be leaving here as silver medallists and it will only fuel our flame to achieve greater things in the future,” said Ngcobo.