POLOKWANE – Talented Polokwane-born wrestler Steyn de Lange is setting his sights on his maiden gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place in France from July 26 to August 11.

Steyn, a member of the Baciu Wrestling Club in Polokwane, will be representing the province on the international stage.

With determination and humility, he said he will be approaching the Olympics as an underdog with a golden goal in mind.

“I have nothing to lose but a lot to gain. I’m going there to compete and to learn from other wrestlers. I won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. Now, I am aiming for the gold and believe I will come back home with it,” said Steyn in Polokwane on Tuesday after his final training session.

Accompanied by his coach, Steyn left Polokwane on Wednesday after spending a few days in his hometown.

“I have an amazing support structure here at home, which is why I decided to come back this week to say goodbye to the young wrestlers at the club and to the supporters. I also completed my final preparations here at home and at the club where I started wrestling at the age of five. Coach Jan Roets has been with me since day one and has helped me prepare for the Olympics. I am ready, I am fit, and I am going for gold. Every time I step on that mat, I won’t be settling for anything less.”

Roets, expressed confidence in Steyn’s abilities and readiness to conquer the world.

“He is currently the best wrestler in the country, and we are looking to cause an upset at the Olympics. No one gave him a chance, coming from a province that is often underestimated. Our club may lack resources, but we produce Olympians. Steyn has been working hard and improving his skills, and we aim to produce more wrestlers who can compete at any international event.”

Steyn qualified for the international showpiece at the 2024 Seniors Africa and Oceania Olympics Game Qualifiers held in Egypt last month.

This marks a significant moment for South Africa and Polokwane, and an even bigger moment for Steyn as he makes his Olympic debut in wrestling.

Roets said they were looking forward to Steyn’s journey.

“These are very exciting times for us. It will be the first time in 16 years that we have a South African wrestling team at the Olympics. We are thrilled for Steyn and wish him well in the Olympics.”