Durban’s Olympians excited about Paris Games
Hamish Lovemore, Henri Schoeman and Gowan Jones speak to Caxton Durban about their favourite Olympic memories and why the Games are the pinnacle of their respective sports.
THE Paris Olympic Games kicked off on Friday (July 26) with athletes being welcomed on boats floating down the River Seine.
This was a break with tradition as this was the first Olympic Games Opening Ceremony held outside a stadium as has been tradition.
On a national front, Team South Africa is being represented in 19 different codes with a total number of 138 athletes (View the full team here).
Some of that team also involves a number of Durbanites, including triathlete Henri Schoeman, hockey player Gowan Jones and canoeist Hamish Lovemore, to name a few.
Caxton Durban asked them some relevant questions ahead of their events, and here’s what they had to say.
Henri Schoeman (triathlete)
What makes the Olympics so special?
“I think the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of sports. It only comes around every four years, and it tests athletes who are at the peak of their capabilities. I feel that if you are the best in your sport at the Olympics you can be regarded as the best in the world. That’s where every athlete, no matter the sport, wants to be the best and perform to make your country proud because the whole world is watching.”
Do you have any tattoos related to the Olympics?
“I have a tattoo of the Olympic rings on my right forearm. It was actually after I won my bronze in Rio. In the lead-up to it, everyone was like, ‘You have to get a tattoo,’ but I was in two minds when I got it. What convinced me eventually was winning the medal in 2016, and I’m glad I did because it’s a special forever memory.”
Gowan Jones (SA men’s hockey)
What is your favourite Olympic memory?
“It would have to be us (SA team) beating Germany 4–3 at the last Olympics in 2021. It was just such an incredible game, and the team was phenomenal. To be able to witness that while sitting in the stands, and then share the celebrations in the changerooms after the game, is something I’ll never forget.”
What makes the Olympics so special?
“I think it’s the biggest sporting event for any athlete. Every athlete, no matter the sporting code, has a journey and faces challenges to represent their country on one of the grandest stages. The Olympic spirit and camaraderie are also unmatched. There are incredible stories of triumphing over adversity everywhere,” he said.
Hamish Lovemore (canoeist)
What is your favourite Olympic memory?
“Watching Usain Bolt at the Beijing Olympics, where he won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay race, was just incredible. I also remember watching Michael Phelps break his records and become the first swimmer in history to make five finals in the same event at the Rio Games.”
What other sports at the Olympics do you love other than the one in which you already are a professional?
“I would say athletics and swimming are probably my two favourites.”
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