It is the end of an era.
Over the last year, numerous prominent South African athletes of the decade retired from their respective sports, resulting in heartfelt farewells, and final performances. Some retired on a high note, while others were hampered by injuries.
Before a fresh group of athletes assumes the mantle, it’s time to recognize and honor the legendary South African sports stars who have left a mark on their respective sports.
Wenda Nel
Wenda Nel a stalwart in 400m hurdlers for South African athletics for more than a decade and an inspiration to the younger generation.
The nine-time South African 400m hurdles champion announced her retirement from the sport in early 2022 after a superb career spanning 13 seasons.
In the 12 years she has been hurdling, Nel won bronze at the Commonwealth Games and claimed two African titles and nine South African titles. Nel was also a World Champs finalist. In 2015 Nel ran 54.37 seconds at the IAAF World Challenge meeting in Beijing. It was a personal best time.
Nel is truly a South African sports legend, she can honestly claim to have been there, and done that.
Rikenette Steenkamp
Rikenette Steenkamp, a legendary figure in South African athletics, recently announced her retirement from the sport as well.
Since 2010, Steenkamp has dominated the 100m-hurdles scene in South Africa, earning the nickname “boss lady.” In 47 local races, she has been defeated only twice in the short hurdles, in 2010 and 2013. World Athletics statistics show that since 2014, Steenkamp has achieved 29 consecutive victories in races held in South Africa.
Steenkamp holds the current record for the 100m-hurdles with a time of 12.81 seconds, as well as the indoor 60m-hurdles record with a time of 8.17 seconds. She has won four South African titles and one African title. One of her most notable achievements was winning gold at the 2018 World Cup Meeting in London.
She expressed that winning gold at the World Cup in London was the closest she had ever come to running a perfect race. Her time of 12.88s resulted in an incredible experience where everything came together flawlessly. She described feeling as though she was effortlessly “flowing” over the hurdles, making it an unforgettable moment.
Steenkamp promises that she will always in some way be involved in sports.
Heino Kuhn
Heino Kuhn, the former Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman, decided to end his 18-year-long cricketing career and has taken up the position of assistant coach with the Netherlands cricket team.
Kuhn a highly regarded figure in South African domestic cricket and a valuable asset to the local game. He announced his retirement after the CSA 4-Day Challenge matches against Western Province in Potchefstroom, in February 2023.
After enjoying 13 successful seasons filled with numerous trophies at the Titans, the 38-year-old cricketer took on the role of captain for the North West Dragons in 2021.
Now as a member of the Netherlands Cricket coaching team, Kuhn will work alongside his former Northerns and Titans teammate, Roelof van der Merwe, whom he will also coach.
Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson, a former US Open and Wimbledon finalist known for his powerful serve and aggressive style of play, announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 35. Anderson, who turned pro in 2005, has struggled with various injuries in recent years.
In a social media post on May 2022, he stated that he had “finally arrived at the difficult decision to retire,” adding that he gave his best effort throughout his career.
Anderson’s most notable Grand Slam performances include reaching the 4th round of the Australian Open on three occasions and the 4th round of the French Open four times.
His highest ATP ranking was in 2018 when he achieved No. 5, and he won seven titles throughout his career.
- Branco du Preez
South Africa’s most-capped Springbok Sevens player, Branco du Preez retired from international sevens rugby leaving the Blitzboks with a bouquet of career records, gold medals and highlights.
Du Preez made the decision after the HSBC Cape Town Sevens, where he represented South Africa in his 85th HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament, a record for the Springbok Sevens which places him eighth overall in the history of the World Series.
He played in 431 matches and scored 1447 points, including 101 tries, a career-high 468 conversions and a drop goal in a career that saw him clinch 24 tournament wins and three World Series gold medals. Du Preez also has a Commonwealth Games gold medal in his bag.
The 468 conversions, a Blitzbok record, is the fifth most in World Series history and his 431 matches played is fourth on the all-time list.
The 32-year-old made his Springbok Sevens debut in Wellington in 2010 and has been a Blitzbok stalwart ever since.
