Schoeman’s chance for redemption in Paris triathlon

It’s been a long three years for Henri Schoeman, but now he will get the chance to make up for an injury-affected Tokyo Olympics when he lines up in the men’s triathlon at the Paris Games today.

Now 32, this could be the last opportunity for Schoeman to gun for gold, having secured a superb bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Schoeman produced the performance of his life in Brazil eight years ago, having made a decisive move in the 10km run third lap to go past Vincent Luis of France, and he ultimately finished third in a time of 1 hour, 45 minutes and 43 seconds (1:45.43).

But in Tokyo in 2021, it was heartbreak for the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion as his build-up was affected by knee and ankle injuries, and he had to end his journey in Japan during the 10km run.

Now he will also have a compatriot in Jamie Riddle for company for the 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run – although it remains to be seen if the swimming leg will take place.

Organisers had to postpone the men’s triathlon from yesterday due to unsafe levels of pollution in the River Seine, and it is hoped that they will get the green light to compete today. The men’s triathlon is scheduled for 10.45am, which will be preceded by the women’s event, where South Africa will be represented by Vicky van der Merwe.

Apart from the swimming events, where Tatjana Smith and Kaylene Corbett (200m breaststroke) and Pieter Coetzé (200m backstroke) will be in action at the La Defense Arena pool, the highlights for Mzansi will be the men’s rowing and men’s and women’s hockey matches.

In the rowing men’s pairs semi-final, John Smith will look to turn back the clock alongside partner Chris Baxter, having clinched gold as part of the ‘Oarsome Foursome’ at the 2012 London Olympics.

Smith, James Thompson, Sizwe Ndlovu and Matthew Brittain grabbed the title in the lightweight coxless four race 12 years ago, and now at 34, Smith will try to repeat the feat in combination with Smith.

Both South African hockey teams have produced some sterling displays in Paris so far, but have yet to taste victory.

The men’s side lost 5-1 to Germany yesterday – after a 2-2 draw with Great Britain and 5-3 defeat to the Netherlands – and will now face Spain tonight (7.45pm start) to try and stay in quarter-final contention.

The SA women’s outfit will take on Great Britain this morning (10.45am) hoping to bounce back from their 4-2 loss to Argentina on Monday, having nearly caused a major upset against Australia on Sunday, before going down 2-1.

Today’s SA Olympic Schedule

8am: Women’s Triathlon – Vicky van der Merwe

10.30am: Women’s Hockey: SA v Great Britain

10.34am: Rowing – men’s pair semi-final A/B 1: John Smith, Chris Baxter

10.45am: Men’s Triathlon – Henri Schoeman, Jamie Riddle

11am: Swimming – women’s 200m breaststroke heats: Tatjana Smith, Kaylene Corbett

11.21am: Swimming – men’s 200m backstroke heats: Pieter Coetzé

5.45pm: Archery – men’s individual 1/32 elimination round: Wian Roux v Kim Je Deok (South Korea)

7.45pm: Men’s Hockey: SA v Spain

10.03pm: Swimming – women’s 200m breaststroke semi-finals: Tatjana Smith, Kaylene Corbett