The top echelons of any given sport are reserved for only a select few: those who – through determination – manifest their talent in their field. It is no easy task, and few succeed. When they do, their exploits are there for the world to behold – and especially at the Olympic Games.

On Friday, 20 August 2021, the North-West University (NWU) celebrated a group of remarkable people who achieved this. At the recently held Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, staff members Jean Verster, Dr Pieter Kruger, Pierre Blignaut and Elroy Gelant, alumni Wayne Snyman and Ceila Seerane, and students Jo-Ané van Dyk, Pieter Conradie, Zakithi Nene, Chederick van Wyk and Charné Maddocks all stamped their footprints into Japanese soil.   

“As a university, we are proud of our students, colleagues and alumni who not only flew South Africa’s flag at the Olympic Games, but that of the North-West University as well. As an institution we are grateful for the contribution these individuals made to a magnificent event,” said Dr Sibusiso Chalufu, Executive Director: Student Life at the NWU.

“We held this function to express our gratitude to them for representing our country and the university. Well done to each and every one of them.”

With the next games to be held in Paris, France, it may not be too soon to learn to say: “La victoire NWU”.

It was an evening to remember for all involved.