McGillivray, Smith and Baum to represent South Africa at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Team South Africa has departed for Teahupo’o, Tahiti for the Paris Olympics surfing events. Meet Jordy, Sarah and Matt, who will be raising the South African flag.

South Africa (July 22, 2024) — Three South African surfers are competing in the Olympic Games: Jordy Smith, Matt McGillivray and Sarah Baum. They have left for the Paris Olympic Games surfing events in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, with competition days from 27 July to 5 August.

Surfing South Africa has proudly expressed its enthusiasm for the team representing South Africa.

Jordy Smit will face Ethan Ewing (Aus) and Tim Elter (GER) in his first round, and Matt McGillivray will compete against Joan Duru (France) and Jack Robinson (Aus). Sarah Baum will face Yolande Hopkins (Por) and Caroline Marks (USA) in her first round.

“I’m super excited about competing in the Olympics and Teahupo’o is an intense venue so there’s a lot of anticipation around the event,” Smith said. “I think we’ve got a really confident and strong team, with Matt and Sarah, so hopefully we can bring home some medals. It always feels pretty electric in Teahupo’o, especially when there’s waves, everyone wants a great barrel.”

The competition venue, Teahupo’o in Tahiti, is a highly regarded surf location with waves that can be big and scary. Both Smith and McGillivray have excelled here in the past and Baum is confident in significant waves, so there is a lot of confidence that our surfers will do well at this location.

“In the surfing world, if you win a gold medal, you’re considered an Olympic gold medalist for the rest of your life,” Baum said of her thoughts on the Olympics. “Whether you stop surfing and you’re 60 and you’re at a barbecue or something, being a gold medalist is huge among people who don’t surf.”

Team manager Reza De Nicker is also very optimistic about the Olympic Games.

“Our athletes have reached the pinnacle of sport – the Olympic Games. The podium is right in front of them as we embark on a life-changing journey. Standing in their corner is a humbling experience and a tremendous honor. They are as ready as can be with all the hard work they have already put in; now all they have to do is shine and take it all in!”

You can follow the progress here via Facebook or watch it on selected sports channels.

Sources: Surfing South Africa

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