{"id":264492,"date":"2025-07-11T14:05:27","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T12:05:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/?p=264492"},"modified":"2026-02-09T14:15:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T12:15:37","slug":"south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What sounds like something out of a James Bond movie is actually heading to Johannesburg this July \u2013 and it could put South Africa on the map for one of the Olympics\u2019 most demanding sports.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 17-20 July, the world\u2019s most promising young athletes aged 17 and under will descend on Reddam House Helderfontein in Johannesburg for the Modern Pentathlon World Championships<\/a>. But don\u2019t worry if you\u2019ve never heard of it \u2013 most South Africans haven\u2019t either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what exactly is Modern Pentathlon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think of it as the ultimate test of an all-round athlete. Modern Pentathlon combines five completely different sports in one competition: sword fighting (fencing), swimming, obstacle racing, shooting, and running. Athletes must master all five disciplines to succeed \u2013 there\u2019s nowhere to hide if you\u2019re weak in one area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sport was created for the 1912 Olympics by Pierre de Coubertin<\/a> (the founder of the modern Olympics) to test the skills of a \u201ccomplete soldier.\u201d Originally, competitors had to fence, swim, ride an unfamiliar horse, shoot a pistol, and run cross-country. The idea was that a soldier might need to fight with a sword, swim across a river, ride a horse through enemy territory, shoot accurately, and run to safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"From
From 17-20 July, the world\u2019s most promising young athletes aged 17 and under will descend on Reddam House Helderfontein in Johannesburg for the Modern Pentathlon World Championships.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A sport that\u2019s moving with the times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But here\u2019s where it gets interesting for modern audiences. The sport has just undergone a major makeover to make it more exciting and accessible. Gone are the horses (which made the sport expensive and unpredictable), replaced by high-energy obstacle course racing that tests speed, agility, and strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is like watching five different sports rolled into one action-packed day,\u201d explains Frans Van Niekerk, President of the South African Modern Pentathlon Association (SAMPA). \u201cIt\u2019s pure entertainment \u2013 from the tactical chess match of fencing to the explosive athleticism of obstacle racing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why this matters for South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t just any sporting event. South Africa is hosting not one, but two world championships in 2025 \u2013 a massive vote of confidence in the country\u2019s ability to stage world-class sporting events. After the July championships in Johannesburg, Mossel Bay will host another world championships in December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBringing these events to South African soil is a tremendous honour and a powerful statement about our country\u2019s growing presence on the global sporting stage,\u201d says Van Niekerk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home-grown talent to watch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Leading South Africa\u2019s charge is Tatiana Thomatos, a rising star who dominated in 2024 by winning gold at the U17 Pentathlon African Championships, the U17 Pentathlon Pan-American Championships, and the U15 World Championships. She\u2019ll be competing in front of a home crowd, wearing the green and gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For context, countries like Great Britain and Hungary are powerhouses in this sport, producing Olympic champions like Joe Choong and Michelle Guly\u00e1s. South Africa is looking to establish itself among these elite nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Modern
Modern Pentathlon combines five completely different sports in one competition: sword fighting (fencing), swimming, obstacle racing, shooting, and running.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The competition format is designed for maximum excitement: – Fencing:<\/strong> Athletes fight multiple opponents in quick-fire duels – Swimming:<\/strong> A 200-meter freestyle race against the clock
– Obstacle Racing:<\/strong> High-intensity course testing speed and agility – Laser Run:<\/strong> The grand finale combining shooting accuracy with running endurance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each discipline requires completely different skills, making it one of sport\u2019s ultimate tests of versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bigger picture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While rugby, cricket, and soccer dominate South African sports headlines, events like this showcase the country\u2019s ability to excel in lesser-known Olympic sports. Modern Pentathlon has been part of the Olympics since 1912, and these young athletes are laying the groundwork for potential Olympic qualification in future games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor our young athletes, this is more than just a competition,\u201d adds Van Niekerk. \u201cIt\u2019s a chance to test themselves against the world\u2019s best and inspire the next generation of South African multi-sport athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event at a glance:<\/strong>
When:<\/strong> 17-20 July
Where:<\/strong> Reddam House Helderfontein, Johannesburg
What:<\/strong> UIPM U17 Modern Pentathlon World Championships
Disciplines:<\/strong> Fencing | Obstacle Racing | Swimming | Laser Run<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From 17-20 July, the world\u2019s most promising young athletes aged 17 and under will descend on Reddam House Helderfontein in Johannesburg for the Modern Pentathlon World Championships.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":264496,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"64","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"60","_yoast_wpseo_inclusive_language_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","_crsspst_to_novanewscoza":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozabloemnewsexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozacityvision":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozadistrictmailhelderberg":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaeikestadnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozahermanustimes":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakomani-karoo":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakougaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozamthathaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozanoordkaapbulletin":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapaarlpost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeoplespost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozatygerburger":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaudexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavistanews":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavrystaatkroon":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweskusnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweslander":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaworcesterstandard":false,"_EventAllDay":"","_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":"","_EventShowMapLink":"","_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":"","_EventVenueID":"","_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":"","_VenueShowMapLink":"","_application":"","_batch_id":"","_company_name":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_company_website":"","_custom_id":"","_EventDuration":"","_EventOrigin":"","_EventTimezoneAbbr":"","_featured":"","_filled":"","_job_expires":"","_job_location":"","_media_credit":"","_media_credit_url":"","_menu_item_menu_item_parent":"","_menu_item_object":"","_menu_item_object_id":"","_menu_item_target":"","_menu_item_type":"","_menu_item_url":"","_menu_item_xfn":"","_navis_media_can_distribute":"","_navis_media_credit_org":"","_OrganizerOrigin":"","_provider":"","_pum_built_in":"","_pum_default_theme":"","_pum_form_conversion_count":"","_remote_id":"","_remote_name":"","_remote_position":"","_report_frequency":"","_report_reference_dates":"","_send_attempts":"","_site_id":"","_sitemap_exclude":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","_sitemap_priority":"","_source_url":"","_subscription_period":"","_subscription_period_interval":"","_subscription_price":"","_tec_slr_enabled":"","_tec_slr_layout":"","_template_type":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_tribe_aggregator_allow_multiple_organizers":"","_tribe_aggregator_content_type":"","_tribe_aggregator_file":"","_tribe_aggregator_finalized":"","_tribe_aggregator_hash":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_id":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_interactive":"","_tribe_aggregator_origin":"","_tribe_aggregator_post_status":"","_tribe_aggregator_preview":"","_tribe_aggregator_source_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_type":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_hide_attendees_list":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":"","_tribe_ticket_version":"","_type":"","_VenueOrigin":"","_wp_attachment_context":"","_wp_attachment_image_alt":"","_wp_font_face_file":"","_wp_old_date":"","_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":"4","_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_block-catalog":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"22","_yoast_wpseo_primary_job_listing_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_nova_retailer":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_publication":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_tribe_events_cat":"","_yoast_wpseo_videositemap-duration":"","_yoast_wpseo_videositemap-rating":"","_menu_item_classes":[],"_tribe_modified_fields":[],"_wp_attachment_backup_sizes":[],"_wp_suggested_privacy_policy_content":[],"_yoast_post_redirect_info":[],"_yoast_wpseo_video_meta":[],"activation_date":"","archive_insertion_is_repeating":"","archive_insertion_posts_count":"","article_feature_media":"","article_feature_type":"","article_main_image_caption":"","article_media_icon":"","article_template":"","author_byline":"","background_color":"","block_editor":"1","byline":"","cmplz_hide_cookiebanner":"","competition_end_date":"","contact_advertise_email":"","contact_advertise_phone":"","contact_editorial_email":"","contact_general_email":"","contact_general_phone":"","contact_office_hours":"","contact_physical_address":"","enabled":"","featured_image_custom_caption":"","featured_video_url":"","fields":"","font_body":"","font_header":"","frequency":"","headline":"","hide_border":"","icon":"","is_wp_suggestion":"","issuu_download_url":"","issuu_embed_url":"","language_version_url":"","large_border":"","name":"","nm_contact_name":"","nm_contact_number":"","nm_date_lost":"","no_overlay_background":"","node-url":"","obituary_born_date":"","obituary_died_date":"","obituary_memoriam_text":"","origin":"","overlay_color":"","overlay_opacity":"","overlay_size":"","placement":"","plural_label":"","post_author":"","post_id":"","post_language":"en","secret-key":"","sponsored_utm_campaign":"","sponsored_utm_content":"","sponsored_utm_medium":"","sponsored_utm_source":"","sponsored_utm_term":"","start_date":"","utm_suppression":"","video_embed_url":"","wp_pattern_sync_status":"","data_version":[],"enclosure":[],"pongrass_image":[],"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_newspack_byline_active":false,"_newspack_byline":"","newspack_content_restriction_is_exempt":false,"scaip_prevent_shortcode_addition":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[8856,22],"tags":[8397,8398,8399,8400],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"publication":[],"class_list":["post-264492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-school-sports","category-sport","tag-modern-pentathlon","tag-modern-pentathlon-world-championships","tag-pentathlon-pan-american-championships","tag-uipm-u17-modern-pentathlon-world-championships"],"yoast_head":"\nSouth Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport | Swartland Gazette<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From 17-20 July the Modern Pentathlon World Championships will be held in Johannesburg, showcasing talented young athletes.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From 17-20 July the Modern Pentathlon World Championships will be held in Johannesburg, showcasing talented young athletes.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Swartland Gazette\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gazetties\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-11T12:05:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-09T12:15:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swartlandgazette.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Novus Media\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Novus Media\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Novus Media\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a98e83842070bcaa72412177f4b38f92\"},\"headline\":\"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-11T12:05:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-09T12:15:37+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":710,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Modern Pentathlon\",\"Modern Pentathlon World Championships\",\"Pentathlon Pan-American Championships\",\"UIPM U17 Modern Pentathlon World Championships\"],\"articleSection\":[\"School Sports Zone\",\"Sport\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/#respond\"]}],\"copyrightYear\":\"2025\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/\",\"name\":\"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport | Swartland Gazette\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-11T12:05:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-09T12:15:37+00:00\",\"description\":\"From 17-20 July the Modern Pentathlon World Championships will be held in Johannesburg, showcasing talented young athletes.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707,\"caption\":\"In a landmark year for Modern Pentathlon, South Africa will take centre stage as host of two major international championships.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Sport\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/sport\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/\",\"name\":\"Swartland Gazette\",\"description\":\"To Inform, Engage and Empower Local Communities\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Swartland Gazette\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/swatland-gazette-site-icon-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/swatland-gazette-site-icon-1.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"Swartland Gazette\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/gazetties\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@swartlandgazette\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/gazetteswartland\\\/\"],\"description\":\"From local governance to community celebrations, the Swartland Gazette is committed to sharing the stories that define our towns and the people who call them home. As the leading local publication, we take pride in being a trusted source of information, reflection, and representation for our readers. We make it our duty to inform, inspire, and connect the residents of Worcester, Rawsonville, De Doorns, Wolseley, Robertson, Ashton, Bonnievale, and Montagu \u2014 covering everything from council decisions and infrastructure projects to school events, cultural milestones, and everyday achievements that deserve recognition.\",\"email\":\"swartlandgazette@novusmedia.co.za\",\"telephone\":\"+27218704600\",\"legalName\":\"Novus Media (Pty) Ltd\",\"foundingDate\":\"2025-01-01\",\"vatID\":\"4100318916\",\"taxID\":\"2000\\\/018234\\\/07\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"51\",\"maxValue\":\"200\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a98e83842070bcaa72412177f4b38f92\",\"name\":\"Novus Media\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/301565e6eb478c51ef897a38a789d0f3da6ec2a9ceb0d64f47de374b41e63698?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/301565e6eb478c51ef897a38a789d0f3da6ec2a9ceb0d64f47de374b41e63698?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/301565e6eb478c51ef897a38a789d0f3da6ec2a9ceb0d64f47de374b41e63698?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Novus Media\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/swartlandgazette\\\/author\\\/novusmedia\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport | Swartland Gazette","description":"From 17-20 July the Modern Pentathlon World Championships will be held in Johannesburg, showcasing talented young athletes.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport","og_description":"From 17-20 July the Modern Pentathlon World Championships will be held in Johannesburg, showcasing talented young athletes.","og_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/","og_site_name":"Swartland Gazette","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gazetties\/","article_published_time":"2025-07-11T12:05:27+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-09T12:15:37+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swartlandgazette.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Novus Media","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Novus Media","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/"},"author":{"name":"Novus Media","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#\/schema\/person\/a98e83842070bcaa72412177f4b38f92"},"headline":"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport","datePublished":"2025-07-11T12:05:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-09T12:15:37+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/"},"wordCount":710,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg","keywords":["Modern Pentathlon","Modern Pentathlon World Championships","Pentathlon Pan-American Championships","UIPM U17 Modern Pentathlon World Championships"],"articleSection":["School Sports Zone","Sport"],"inLanguage":"en-ZA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/#respond"]}],"copyrightYear":"2025","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/","name":"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport | Swartland Gazette","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg","datePublished":"2025-07-11T12:05:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-09T12:15:37+00:00","description":"From 17-20 July the Modern Pentathlon World Championships will be held in Johannesburg, showcasing talented young athletes.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-ZA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707,"caption":"In a landmark year for Modern Pentathlon, South Africa will take centre stage as host of two major international championships."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/south-africa-to-host-worlds-rising-sports-stars-in-little-known-olympic-sport\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Sport","item":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/sport\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"South Africa to host world\u2019s rising sports stars in little-known Olympic sport"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#website","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/","name":"Swartland Gazette","description":"To Inform, Engage and Empower Local Communities","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-ZA"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#organization","name":"Swartland Gazette","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/swatland-gazette-site-icon-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/swatland-gazette-site-icon-1.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"Swartland Gazette"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gazetties\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@swartlandgazette","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/gazetteswartland\/"],"description":"From local governance to community celebrations, the Swartland Gazette is committed to sharing the stories that define our towns and the people who call them home. As the leading local publication, we take pride in being a trusted source of information, reflection, and representation for our readers. We make it our duty to inform, inspire, and connect the residents of Worcester, Rawsonville, De Doorns, Wolseley, Robertson, Ashton, Bonnievale, and Montagu \u2014 covering everything from council decisions and infrastructure projects to school events, cultural milestones, and everyday achievements that deserve recognition.","email":"swartlandgazette@novusmedia.co.za","telephone":"+27218704600","legalName":"Novus Media (Pty) Ltd","foundingDate":"2025-01-01","vatID":"4100318916","taxID":"2000\/018234\/07","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"51","maxValue":"200"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/#\/schema\/person\/a98e83842070bcaa72412177f4b38f92","name":"Novus Media","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/301565e6eb478c51ef897a38a789d0f3da6ec2a9ceb0d64f47de374b41e63698?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/301565e6eb478c51ef897a38a789d0f3da6ec2a9ceb0d64f47de374b41e63698?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/301565e6eb478c51ef897a38a789d0f3da6ec2a9ceb0d64f47de374b41e63698?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Novus Media"},"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/author\/novusmedia\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michelle-Gulyas-HUN-at-UIPM-2025-Pentathlon-World-Cup-Pazardzhik-Bulgaria.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":264260,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/proteas-captain-wiaan-mulder-sets-new-south-african-record-with-367\/","url_meta":{"origin":264492,"position":0},"title":"Proteas captain Wiaan Mulder sets new South African record with 367*","author":"Amy L\u00e9-Semper","date":"8 July 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Wiaan Mulder, who stopped short on Monday of attempting to break the record for the highest score in Test history, had an inauspicious start to his Test career. Mulder made 367 not out for South Africa in the second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club before deciding \u2013-\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sport"","block_context":{"text":"Sport","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/sport\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Wiaan Mulder during the ICC World Test Championship cricket final match between Australia and South Africa, at Lord's cricket ground, in London, last month. (Photo by Glyn Kirk\/AFP)","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AFP__20250611__49XG22G__v1__MidRes__CricketIccAusRsa-e1751967308363.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AFP__20250611__49XG22G__v1__MidRes__CricketIccAusRsa-e1751967308363.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AFP__20250611__49XG22G__v1__MidRes__CricketIccAusRsa-e1751967308363.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AFP__20250611__49XG22G__v1__MidRes__CricketIccAusRsa-e1751967308363.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":264535,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/junior-springboks-eye-championship-glory-as-argentina-showdown-looms\/","url_meta":{"origin":264492,"position":1},"title":"Junior Springboks eye championship glory as Argentina showdown looms","author":"Novus Media","date":"14 July 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Two childhood friends from Johannesburg are living their rugby dream tonight as the Junior Springboks chase their first World Rugby U20 Championship final appearance in over a decade.","rel":"","context":"In "Sport"","block_context":{"text":"Sport","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/sport\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"iphosethu Mnebelele in action here in last years SA U18 Schools International match between South Africa and England. PHOTO: SA Rugby","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/siphosethu-mnebelele-sa-u18-schools.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/siphosethu-mnebelele-sa-u18-schools.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/siphosethu-mnebelele-sa-u18-schools.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/siphosethu-mnebelele-sa-u18-schools.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/siphosethu-mnebelele-sa-u18-schools.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/siphosethu-mnebelele-sa-u18-schools.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":67098,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/agents-on-alert-as-springbok-stars-of-tomorrow-perform\/","url_meta":{"origin":264492,"position":2},"title":"Agents on alert as Springbok stars of tomorrow perform","author":"Novus Media","date":"31 March 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Watched by fellow students in colourful blazers, the cream of South African schools rugby talent gathered in the western Cape town of Stellenbosch this weekend to display their skills.","rel":"","context":"In "Sport"","block_context":{"text":"Sport","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/sport\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Grey College's captain and flanker Xander Smit (front), holding the mascot Tommix, prepares to lead his team on the field in Stellenbosch on March 29, 2025 ahead of their match against Noordheuwel during the Noord-Suid (North-South) rugby tournament. The cream of South African schools rugby talent gathered in the western Cape town of Stellenbosch this weekend to display their skills. Among the crowds were representatives from the major South African rugby franchises, trying to spot future stars and sign them. While many observers point to huge forwards as the key to success for the Springboks, a superbly run schools system is the conveyor belt that gives national coaches a continuous supply of stars. (Photo by )","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AFP__20250330__38EJ2AT__v1__HighRes__RugbyuRsaSchoolGreyCollege-e1743422923936.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AFP__20250330__38EJ2AT__v1__HighRes__RugbyuRsaSchoolGreyCollege-e1743422923936.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AFP__20250330__38EJ2AT__v1__HighRes__RugbyuRsaSchoolGreyCollege-e1743422923936.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AFP__20250330__38EJ2AT__v1__HighRes__RugbyuRsaSchoolGreyCollege-e1743422923936.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AFP__20250330__38EJ2AT__v1__HighRes__RugbyuRsaSchoolGreyCollege-e1743422923936.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AFP__20250330__38EJ2AT__v1__HighRes__RugbyuRsaSchoolGreyCollege-e1743422923936.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":264027,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/spar-proteas-to-take-on-worlds-best-down-under\/","url_meta":{"origin":264492,"position":3},"title":"SPAR Proteas to take on world’s best Down Under","author":"Swartland Gazette","date":"4 July 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The SPAR Proteas will travel to Australia for a three-test series against the current world champions, the Origin Australian Diamonds in October.","rel":"","context":"In "Sport"","block_context":{"text":"Sport","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/sport\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The SPAR Proteas will travel to Australia for a three-test series against the current world champions, the Origin Australian Diamonds. Photo: Netball South Africa","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-0668JPGSAvsAUS-.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-0668JPGSAvsAUS-.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-0668JPGSAvsAUS-.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-0668JPGSAvsAUS-.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-0668JPGSAvsAUS-.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-0668JPGSAvsAUS-.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":264106,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/van-den-berg-strikes-twice-as-springboks-beat-italy\/","url_meta":{"origin":264492,"position":4},"title":"Van den Berg strikes twice as Springboks beat Italy","author":"Lise Beyers","date":"6 July 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"PRETORIA - Scrum-half Morne van den Berg scored two tries as Rugby World Cup title-holders South Africa beat Italy 42-24 in Pretoria on Saturday in the first of two Tests. Winning his third cap, the 27-year-old half-back from the Johannesburg-based Lions also impressed with his tactical kicking and won the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Springbok rugbykaartjies","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Damian-willemse-springboks.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Damian-willemse-springboks.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Damian-willemse-springboks.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Damian-willemse-springboks.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Damian-willemse-springboks.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Damian-willemse-springboks.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":264341,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/cape-town-marathon-sells-out-again-as-africa-eyes-historic-world-major-status\/","url_meta":{"origin":264492,"position":5},"title":"Cape Town Marathon sells out again as Africa eyes historic world Major status","author":"Novus Media","date":"9 July 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has once again sold out all 24 000 marathon entries for 2025, marking an unprecedented third consecutive year of complete sellouts.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"\u2014 In a landmark moment for African running, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially sold out at 24,000 marathon entries for 2025, marking the third consecutive year the event has sold out.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Cape-Town-Marathon-Caleb-Bjergfelt-17.09.42.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Cape-Town-Marathon-Caleb-Bjergfelt-17.09.42.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Cape-Town-Marathon-Caleb-Bjergfelt-17.09.42.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Cape-Town-Marathon-Caleb-Bjergfelt-17.09.42.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Cape-Town-Marathon-Caleb-Bjergfelt-17.09.42.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Cape-Town-Marathon-Caleb-Bjergfelt-17.09.42.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"NovaNews","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264492","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/84"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264492"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264492\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/264496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264492"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=264492"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=264492"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=264492"},{"taxonomy":"publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/swartlandgazette\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publication?post=264492"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}