Esti Olivier, a prominent figure in South African canoeing, has qualified to represent her country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Esti Olivier to represent South Africa at 2024 Paris Olympics
After facing setbacks including a missed opportunity at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to funding issues and health problems, Olivier has made a triumphant return to the sport.
Olivier secured her place at the 2024 Paris Olympics during the 2023 Africa Canoe Sprint Championships held at Jabi Lake, Nigeria.
At this event, the 30-year-old athlete clinched two Olympic quotas in the Women’s K1 500m and Women’s K2 500m events, alongside teammate Helen Jansen Van Vureen.
This qualification marks a significant comeback after her dreams of competing in Tokyo were dashed due to financial constraints and health challenges.
Five things to know about Esti Olivier
- Diverse Achievements: Olivier is an accomplished canoeist in the K1 and K4 disciplines at various distances, showcasing her versatility and endurance in the sport.
- Record Holder: She is a Junior African Champion and has secured top positions in under-23 and senior world events, including a 5th place in the K1 500m at the under-23 World Championship.
- All-African Games Success: Olivier has won three gold medals at the All-African Games across different K1 and K4 events, demonstrating her dominance in the continental arena.
- Resilient Competitor: Her journey includes battling through a lack of funding and health issues, yet she continued to strive for excellence, reflecting her resilience and dedication.
- International Recognition: Recently, she has seen success at the Canoe Sprint World Cup in Poland and is preparing for the upcoming ICF World Championships in Germany, indicating her readiness for the Olympics.
What other sports is South Africa represented in at this year’s Olympics?
South Africa will have representation across various sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Besides canoeing, athletes have qualified in track and field and marathon running. Notable qualifiers include Cian Oldknow and Gerda Steyn in the marathon, and Akani Simbine in the 100m sprint, who is a two-time Olympic finalist.
The qualification process includes both entry standards and world rankings, allowing a broader range of athletes to compete on the global stage.
Unfortunately, the national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, was eliminated and will not participate in this year’s games.