Celebrating 2024: February’s Record-Breaking Moments

Our Celebrating 2024 Campaign is back with another round of spectacular sporting achievements, this time shining a spotlight on February’s finest moments. From jaw-dropping performances in the pool to record-breaking feats on the track, African athletes once again proved they are a force to be reckoned with. Let’s dive into February’s highlights, where history was made, milestones were shattered, and new heights were reached across a wide range of sports!

World Aquatics Championships: Making Waves in the Pool

February kicked off with a splash at the World Aquatics Championships, where African swimmers rose to the occasion, delivering some of the most exhilarating performances to date.

Leading the charge was South Africa’s rising star, Pieter Coetzee, who captured the continent’s attention with a stunning bronze medal in the backstroke event. At just 20 years old, Coetzee’s performance was a testament to his relentless work ethic and potential. Having already made waves at the Commonwealth Games, Coetzee is rapidly positioning himself as one of Africa’s most promising swimming talents. His medal in February was not just a personal victory but a significant moment for South African swimming, as he continues to build momentum heading toward the Olympics.

On the women’s side, Egypt’s Maha Eissa claimed a hard-fought bronze in the butterfly, marking a historic achievement for Egyptian aquatics. Eissa, known for her technical prowess and resilience in the pool, has been steadily improving her international standing. Her podium finish at the World Aquatics Championships highlights Egypt’s growing presence in the sport, and she is widely regarded as an athlete to watch in future competitions.

These accomplishments are just the beginning of Africa’s ascent in competitive swimming, with both Coetzee and Eissa leading the charge for a new generation of aquatic stars.

Water Polo: Team RSA Shines

Not to be overlooked, South Africa’s national water polo team represented the continent at the World Aquatics Championships. While they didn’t reach the podium, their performances were marked by resilience and competitive spirit, proving that they can hold their own against the world’s top teams. With each international tournament, Team RSA continues to gain valuable experience, and it’s only a matter of time before they start making more significant waves in the water polo world.

Photo: @SwimmingSouthAfrica

Classic Shoot Out: African Athletes Dominate the Track

February’s track and field events saw Africa’s sprinters take center stage, particularly at the Classic Shoot Out, where some of the fastest men on the planet battled for gold.

At the forefront was Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, whose meteoric rise in athletics continued with a world record-breaking performance. Tebogo, already hailed as the future of African sprinting, obliterated the competition to claim gold in the 100-meter dash. His record-setting time of 9.85 seconds not only earned him international acclaim but also further solidified his status as a serious contender for future World Championships and Olympic titles. At just 20, Tebogo’s blend of raw speed and technical refinement has drawn comparisons to sprint legends like Usain Bolt, and his victory in February is yet another signal that Africa is nurturing the next global track star.

Photo: @backtracksports

South Africa’s Akani Simbine, a seasoned sprinter with multiple international titles to his name, also delivered a jaw-dropping performance. The 30-year-old sprint sensation secured gold in the 100-meter, setting a new national record in the process. Known for his consistency and fierce determination, Simbine’s win added yet another chapter to his storied career. His victory not only further entrenched his place among the world’s elite sprinters but also rekindled the hopes of a continent that looks to him for Olympic glory. Simbine’s achievements continue to inspire a new generation of African athletes to pursue excellence on the world stage.

Photo: @backtracksports

Another standout on the track was Viwe Jinhqi, whose spectacular performance saw him break a national record while securing a gold medal in the hurdles. Jinhqi, relatively new to the international scene, is fast becoming a name to watch in African athletics. His speed, agility, and flawless technique have propelled him to the top, and his victory in February only underscores his growing dominance in the hurdles discipline.

Photo: Cecilia van Bers

Tour du Rwanda: Cycling Fever Takes Over

February also brought cycling fever to the continent with the exhilarating Tour du Rwanda, one of Africa’s most prestigious cycling races. This grueling event, which features some of the continent’s toughest climbs and most challenging routes, saw African cyclists put on a thrilling display of endurance and determination.

Riders from Rwanda, Eritrea, and South Africa battled it out across the scenic yet punishing terrain, with local fans cheering them on every step of the way. While the ultimate crown went to an international rider, African cyclists, particularly from host country Rwanda, continued to impress, making significant strides in a sport that is growing rapidly across the continent. The success of the Tour du Rwanda Blog, created in collaboration with Tickaroo, offered fans comprehensive coverage of the race’s toughest moments, from brutal mountain climbs to exhilarating sprint finishes. The blog attracted thousands of new followers, driving even more engagement with cycling across Africa.

Africa Cup of Nations: Football Passion Continues

While football fans were treated to intense action at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), our coverage didn’t stop at the final whistle. In fact, we ran a dedicated AFCON blog, offering fans a live, immersive experience throughout the tournament. This blog became the go-to platform for real-time updates, match analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights, providing users with an unparalleled view of the games as they unfolded.

The blog’s popularity has soared, and we are excited to announce that it will continue throughout the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the tournament itself. We urge all football fans to download our app and follow the AFCON blog closely for all the latest updates, exclusive content, and live game experiences. As Africa’s premier football tournament heats up, stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for more thrilling moments to come!

Other Events: A Celebration of African Sporting Spirit

In addition to these outstanding achievements, February saw Podium Pursuit covering a wide range of other thrilling events. From the fierce competition at the SA ITT Champs for cycling and the excitement of the Wiphold International ITF W50 Events in tennis, to the Citi Para Swimming World Series, African athletes were at the forefront of global sports. We also had the privilege of covering the New Delhi Marathon, the World Rugby Sevens Series (Men’s and Women’s), and the Napier Sprint Distance Triathlon, further highlighting the incredible versatility and athleticism of Africa’s finest.

Athlete Profiles and App Growth: Continued Expansion

As February drew to a close, we saw continued growth on our platform. Our user base surged to 641, building on the momentum from January. This steady rise is a testament to the excitement surrounding African sports and the impact of our Celebrating 2024 Campaign. With more events and stories being shared, our community of fans is expanding, united by a passion for African athletic excellence.

Looking Ahead to March’s Achievements

February gave us no shortage of reasons to celebrate, but the year is only just beginning! As we look ahead to March, even more thrilling victories and record-breaking moments await. African athletes are set to continue their dominance across multiple sports, and you won’t want to miss the next chapter in our Celebrating 2024 Campaign.

Download the Podium Pursuit app today to stay connected with all the latest updates, live coverage, and exclusive content. And don’t forget to stay tuned for next week’s episode as we bring you more exciting stories of African sporting triumphs!

Brought to you by

PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling African Athletes to perform on the World Stage.

It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues, and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.

ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes in 2024 by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.