In the world of sports qualifying to compete in the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of athletic excellence, an achievement that marks not only personal triumph but also serves as reward after years of unwavering dedication, sacrifice and determination.
With their recent qualification for the South African national team that will compete at this prestigious international sporting event, to be held in Paris from 26 July to 11 August, Victor Hogan from Kleinmond and Adrian Swart from Caledon – two former students of Hoërskool Overberg – have etched their names into the annals of sporting history.
Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie congratulated both Hogan, the reigning SA discus champion, and Swart on their prestigious achievement.
“On behalf of the Overstrand Municipality we salute all our Olympic athletes representing and making us proud.
“Our local athletes become ambassadors, showcasing their talent and passion while putting us on the map.
“Best of luck! We will watch and cheer you every inch of the way.”
Hoërskool Overberg also congratulated its two former students on their accomplishments. “We know you worked really hard to get there,” it stated. “We are behind you all the way!”
Hogan’s coach John Smit, who owns a holiday home in Betty’s Bay, believes his chances of reaching the finals in the Olympics and hopefully securing a spot on the winners’ podium are good.
The gentle giant, who holds 21st position on the World Rankings and has competed at five World Championships, faces strong competition from Mykolas Alekna from Lithuania, who is currently the world record holder in discus with a distance of 74.35 metres. Hogan’s personal best in a competition is 67,62m.
“During practice sessions he has thrown further distances so we are confident that he will be able to better his PB,” he said.
“With the programme we are following he will reach his peak at the Olympics. Our first aim is for him to qualify for the finals, then we are hoping for that spot on the podium.”
Smit’s joy at his trainee’s qualification is amplified by the pleasure of the prospect of travelling with the South African competitors as the coach for all the “throw items”.
Of his achievement Hogan said: “I have had a long career, and it wasn’t always easy. I can count the highlights on my fingers; I pushed through.
“And now I can show that even if you are from a small dorpie such as Kleinmond you can reach the pinnacle of sports if you just work hard and persevere.”
Equally proud of his home town is Swart, who ends most of his posts on social media with Caledon’s postal code 7230 or the words “Callies Boytjie”.
Some of the highlights of his career include representing South Africa at the u-20 World Championships in Kenya in 2021 and earlier this year at the CAA African Senior Championships in Cameroon.
Swart, who is a reserve in the 4x400m relay team, is currently in the Netherlands, preparing for a number of races before he joins the national team in Montpellier for their prepara-tions for the 2024 Olympics. “I can’t wait to represent South Africa and to share the track with my teammates Wayde van Niekerk, Zakati Nene, Gardei Isaacs, Matt Nortjie and Lythe Pillay. I believe we can bring gold home.”
