South Africa’s mountain bike racer, Alan Hatherly has made history after winning a bronze medal in the men’s cross-country race at the Paris Olympics, in France, finishing with a time of 1:26:33.
This makes him the first South African to win a cycling medal at the Olympics since 1956 and the first ever African to win an Olympic medal in the category.
Hatherly, who was ranked number four in the world going into the event, described the moment as special.
“I think it’s kind of every athlete’s dream to get an Olympic medal, so to achieve that today, it’s really unbelievable to me.
“To be the first African, I could be mistaken, I think the first South African cyclist to get an Olympic Medal is also really a special moment,” said an elated Hatherly.
Congratulatory messages continue to flood the socials, with users including political parties and fans of the sport beaming with pride.
“Alan Hatherly was magnificent. Congratulations,” commented @weetmosals.
“Congratulations Alan on claiming a bronze,” read a post from the official X page of ActionSA.
Hatherly’s victory tallies Team SA’s medals to three, with optimism for more as the games are set to continue throughout August 2024.
