Team SA celebrates triumphant return from Commonwealth Games

Team South Africa received a warm welcome from family, friends and supporters at OR Tambo International Airport on August 1 following an outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The wheelchair basketball team, swimmers and para swimmers were celebrated during a media briefing hosted by South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) first vice-president Lwandile Simelane and Swimming South Africa president Allan Fritz.

Swimming coach Dean Price praised the team’s achievements and paid tribute to Chad le Clos, who became the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete, and Pieter Coetzé, who claimed his third gold medal while also setting a Games record. Both athletes were absent from the welcome ceremony.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Fritz said the results had exceeded expectations.

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“Earlier this year, at the national championships, I hoped we would win between 10 and 12 medals, including six gold medals. To finish with a total of 22 medals is remarkable.

“It has been an exceptional performance. The athletes have put their heart and soul into this and we are very pleased to see that our hard work has paid off. We have built a strong swimming culture in South Africa and have been the country’s best-performing federation since readmission into world sport.

“We have 10 to 12 Olympic sports capable of producing medals, but unfortunately they are not receiving sufficient investment. Success like this raises awareness of our sport and creates economic opportunities.

“The higher the level of performance, the more people are attracted to the country, as we saw during the FIFA World Cup. We want to continue building on that success with the help of our outstanding sports scientists.”

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Swimmer Jarden Eaton described competing at his first Commonwealth Games as a dream come true, despite battling food poisoning before his race.

“I had a blast. I remember being extremely nervous before my race. My heart was beating in my throat and I’d never seen lights so bright. Despite having food poisoning on the first day, I managed to perform well. It has been my dream since I was seven years old to represent the green and gold and I feel privileged to be part of this team.”

Para swimmer Christian Sadie, who won gold in Glasgow, said every Commonwealth Games experience remains special.

“This was my third Commonwealth Games and it was still incredibly special. The people of Glasgow were so passionate. The stadium was smaller, which brought everyone closer to the pool, and you could really hear the crowd cheering. It was the best experience I’ve had in the pool.”

Nathan Hendricks, who won gold at his first Commonwealth Games, said the camaraderie within Team South Africa made the event even more memorable.

“It was an awesome experience. Being with the able-bodied athletes made me feel even more part of one team because it’s usually just the four of us. The camaraderie throughout the team was fantastic.

“Winning the gold medal was definitely the highlight. I could hardly sleep that night. I wasn’t completely sure I’d won until my competitor congratulated me, and then the celebrations really started.”

Fritz concluded by encouraging parents to introduce their children to swimming from a young age by enrolling them at swimming schools and clubs, saying this will help ensure South Africa continues producing world-class athletes for years to come.