Celebrating South Africa's Sporting Excellence: The Unsung Heroes of 2023

South African sport has always been rich with stories of triumph, overcoming odds, and monumental achievements. As we reflect on the past year, four exceptional athletes have made an indelible mark on their respective sports, becoming beacons of excellence and determination. These athletes have not only excelled in their performances but have also inspired a nation and deserve recognition as runners-up for the Sportsperson of the Year.

First amongst these exceptional talents is Handré Pollard, the decorated Springbok flyhalf whose presence on the rugby field can only be described as influential. Pollard's journey at the Rugby World Cup 2023 might have started later, but once on the pitch, his impact was undeniable. Demonstrating clinical precision, he landed critical, long-range kicks against some of the toughest international sides, including Tonga, France, England, and New Zealand. Pollard's flawless performance, especially the 12 points he alone scored in the final, exemplified quality over quantity. His 33 points were crucial to the Springboks' campaign and solidified his reputation as one of the finest flyhalves in the game.

Switching the field to cricket, Quinton de Kock, known for his swashbuckling batting style, announced he would step down from one-day internationals following the Cricket World Cup. Often, such announcements can cast a long shadow over an athlete's performance. Yet, for de Kock, it seemed to have the opposite effect. He enthralled cricket enthusiasts with sublime performances in India, smashing four centuries, tallying 591 runs at an average of 65.66, and maintaining an impressive strike rate of 109.24. His extraordinary accomplishments in the group phase were attributes of a genuine cricketing genius, capping off his ODI career in grand style.

On the seas, Kirsten Neuschäfer sailed into history books and hearts as the first woman to triumph in the Golden Globe Race – a testament not only to her seafaring skills but also to her resilience and spirit. The race, a grueling solo circumnavigation that echoes the past era of 1968, strips modern-day sailors of contemporary navigational luxuries like GPS. Competitors rely on vintage vessels no larger than 36 feet and their raw sailing acumen. Amidst this backdrop of tradition and adventure, Neuschäfer completed the approximate 30,000 nautical mile journey, exemplifying seamanship at its finest. Her victory, coupled with a dramatic rescue of a fellow competitor in distress, underlined her commitment to the sailing brotherhood and her caliber as a sailor.

Lastly, the combat sports arena has witnessed the meteoric rise of Dricus du Plessis, the formidable mixed martial arts athlete who has taken the UFC by storm. His flawless 6-0 record within the Ultimate Fighting Championship is a tale of grit and artistry. Marking his territory in the middleweight division, du Plessis delivered resounding TKO victories over significant opponents, including Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker. Dubbed the "gatekeeper" of the middleweight division, Whittaker's defeat further cemented du Plessis as a force to be reckoned with. With his eyes on the middleweight title at UFC 297, du Plessis has become a symbol of South African strength and skill in the global MMA landscape.

Together, these extraordinary sportspeople reinforce South Africa’s reputation as a nation rich in sporting talent across various disciplines. As the country celebrates their achievements, it also anticipates the great heights these determined athletes will continue to reach in the future.