Two famous athletes chatting to the media at the Barcelona Olympic Museum |
Elana Meyer and Derartu Tulu on the Barcelona track where they shared a historic race in 1992
The seventh of August 1992 is etched into the memories of many South African sports fan over the age of 40 . That was the day that South Africa announced its return to the Olympic stage in style , with its first medals at its first Olympics since the 1960 Games in Rome , Italy . The country was banned from most international sport after those 1960 Olympics due to its Apartheid policy , until finally in 1992 , as the country began transitioning into a democracy , our athletes were finally able to return to the greatest sporting stage in the world at the Barcelona Olympics . “ South African athletes were informed just three months before the Games that they we would be able to compete at the 1992 Olympics , so many athletes were not prepared . Nelson Mandela came to visit us at the Athletes ’ Village and he inspired us – you could feel the energy . He was an exceptional human being ,” recalls Meyer .
On that particular day , a Friday , South Africa began celebrating around midday as news broke that Wayne Ferreira and Piet Norval had claimed a silver medal by finishing as runners-up in the men ’ s doubles tennis , losing in four sets to the German pairing of Boris
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Back on the same podium they stood on in 1992
Becker and Michael Stich . However , that event took place when many people were still at work , whereas that evening ’ s athletics was keenly anticipated , because Elana Meyer would be running in the 10,000m final , and after her performance in the qualifying heats on 1 August , she was expected to do well .
In the second of the two qualifying heats , Meyer had looked strong as she cruised to a 32:05.45 finish to finish second behind the relatively unknown Derartu Tulu . The 20-year-old Ethiopian clocked 31:55.67 , with Meyer crossing the line in 32:05.45 , having seen the Ethiopian surge in the final lap to break away for the win . However , with the top 10 going through to the final , there was no need for Meyer to chase her , and she cruised home nearly 10 seconds adrift . American Lynn Jennings was third in 32:18.06 .
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Images : Rafa Seguifo for Legnani Sports & Media |