As the world eagerly anticipates the 2024 Olympic Games set to take place in Paris, France from 26 July to 11 August, the University of Pretoria (UP) is proud to support its athletes and coaches who will be representing Team South Africa.

With an exceptional record in both academia and sport, the University is once again showcasing its commitment to nurturing talent and achieving excellence.

“It is widely acknowledged that UP’s sports programme, under the TuksSport banner, is the leading development and elite sporting programme in South Africa, if not in Africa,” says Professor Themba Mosia, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UP.

The University has a long-standing tradition of producing world-class athletes. Its sports department, TuksSport, has positioned itself both locally and internationally as a leader in sports participation and performance management, through its high-performance support and world-class coaching. Since the 2004 Games in Athens, several athletes who have made their home at UP and TuksSport have contributed to a significant number of the overall medals earned – including gold, silver and bronze – by South African competitors.

“We are immensely proud of the TuksSport athletes, student-athletes, coaches and alumni who have been selected to represent Team SA at the Paris Olympics,” said Steven Ball, TuksSport Director and Acting CEO of UP’s High Performance Centre. “To all our athletes and coaches, you embody the spirit of UP’s motto – ‘Make Today Matter’. While on this occasion, you will be wearing the green and gold of our beloved country, we know that you carry the Stripe with you all the way. In echoing the words ‘Ad Destinatum Persequor’, we believe that you will strive towards your goals with great diligence and zeal. We will keep a keen eye on your performance at the Games, and look forward to celebrating with you upon your return.”

“The dedication and resilience of UP-Tuks participants reflects the spirit of excellence that defines our institution,” Prof Mosia said. “We stand behind our athletes and coaches, and are confident that they will shine on the world stage and continue to make us proud.”

UP will be closely following more than 20 members, including athletes, coaches and staff who will form part of Team SA. This includes the support that the University provides to the more than 10 other former club members, UP alumni and TuksSport High School graduates who spent their formative sporting years within our system. Current members in the following categories include:

TuksSwimming

Erin Gallagher

Kaylene Corbett

Matthew Sates

Pieter Coetzé

Tatjana Smith (nee Schoenmaker)

Rocco Meiring (coach)

TuksAthletics

Edmund du Plessis

Jovan van Vuuren

Neil Cornelius (long jump coach)

Samuel Sepeng (middle-distance coach)

TuksHockey

Bradley Sherwood

Calvin Davis

Celia Seerane

Edith Molikoe

Nqobile Ntuli

Sihle Ntuli (men’s assistant coach)

TuksArchery

Patrick Roux (coach/manager)

Wian Roux

TuksRowing

Chris Baxter and John Smith

Paige Badenhorst

TuksWomensRugby

Elizabeth Janse van Rensburg

Marlize de Bruin