Swimming SA dashes water polo players’ Paris Olympics dreams despite teams qualifying

My understanding is that the only reason that water-polo falls under SA Swimming is so that they can participate in the Olympics, as they are the recognised representative body! If this is the case and Swimming can withdraw polo on a whim, then why not break away - water-polo is a far more popular sport than swimming, and after rugby, probably the biggest participationary sport in school in SA, especially as it is popular with both boys and girls! I would imagine most capitation fees come from polo, so let Swim SA float their own boat!!!

There are five rings on the Olympic flag. The ethos of the Games is participation and unity, not winning. Otherwise why even bother to send sprinters or swimmers to the Games when Bolt and Phelps were in their pomp.

Perhaps Princess Charlene of Monaco should step in here and personally offer her support being….. A) Born in South Africa B) An Olympian swimmer C) Now a French citizen This decision seems purely political. As the female team performed better than the men, perhaps they should be funded to participate - it would be a great gesture on behalf of our government who decry racism and misogyny with half hearted vigour! Now might be the time to stand up and be counted!

With a sense of urgency and deep concern, I am compelled to address the current state of affairs within organisations such as SSA (Swim South Africa) and SASCOC (South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee). As stakeholders committed to the advancement of South African sports, it is not unreasonable to expect these entities to embody pride in our country and the individuals they represent. Pride should transcend mere symbolism and manifest in tangible actions that foster the growth of South Africa's Olympic representation across all sporting disciplines. The dedication to these responsibilities should reflect a profound allegiance to the nation and an unwavering ambition to elevate the stature of South African athletes on the global stage. In light of this, it is imperative that employees of SASCOC and SSA are, held accountable through the establishment of key performance indicators in their job descriptions and responsibilities. Transparency in this regard ensures accountability and provides a clear framework for assessing their contributions to the development of sports in South Africa. Furthermore, the imperative to build the future of South African water polo by embracing talent and fostering a culture of excellence is not merely valid, it is essential. Prioritising the long-term development of the sport over shortsighted decisions is crucial to safeguarding the integrity and competitiveness of the national team. Our collective vision is to witness our country's sporting prowess ascend on the international stage. This ambition necessitates clear objectives and goals, for, as the adage goes, "Failure to plan is planning to fail." Establishing a robust framework comprising objectives and targets will furnish us with the vision, direction, and game plan essential to ensuring South Africa remains competitive across various sporting disciplines. Moreover, let us ponder the purpose of trials. From the tender age of under-12s, players embark on their competitive journey, honing their skills and talents. Yet, how do we ensure a seamless progression, tracking players' development over an eight-year span to identify and nurture talent for our senior national squads? Implementing mechanisms to monitor this progression effectively, fostering internal competition, and ensuring that players earn their positions through merit are paramount. Indeed, many believe South African sports can achieve greater heights than presently perceived. To realise this potential, we must address underlying issues. If water polo, for instance, continues to be led by individuals with hidden agendas, rather than remaining athlete-centred, the sport risks perpetuating its underperformance. We must strive for transparency, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being and success of our athletes. The burden of representation should not solely rest on the shoulders of athletes and their families. It is incumbent upon the governing bodies of the sport to provide commensurate support and investment. Failure to do so not only diminishes the morale of the players but also erodes the confidence of supporters in the administration of the sport. Moreover, the passing of Dave Norman—a pivotal figure in South African swimming—underscores the need for organisations like SSA to redouble their efforts in securing sponsorships and support for their athletes. The absence of tangible progress in this regard raises serious concerns about the organisation's commitment to its athletes' welfare and success on the international stage. Excluding an entire continent from participating in any sport at the Olympic Games, such as water polo, would likely be, met with significant criticism and controversy. The Olympics is supposed to be a platform for athletes from all around the world to compete and display their talents, regardless of their nationality or continent of origin. Excluding Africa from water polo would not only deprive African athletes of the opportunity to compete at the highest level but also perpetuate inequalities and reinforce the notion of an unequal playing field in global sports. It would contradict the spirit of inclusivity and diversity that the Olympic Games aim to promote. Furthermore, such an exclusion could have broader implications, including backlash from the international community, potential boycotts, and damage to the reputation of the Olympic Games as a symbol of unity and fair competition. Instead of exclusion, efforts should be, made to support and encourage the development of water polo and other sports in Africa, ensuring that athletes from all continents have equal opportunities to participate and excel on the world stage. Prior to the national trials, a coach was not selected or appointed for, the South African Men's Team, this situation has created uncertainty and challenges for both coaches and players. Coaches and players are often required to take leave or unpaid leave from their other commitments to attend various competitions, yet they are not provided with a contract or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) outlining their roles and responsibilities. This lack of clarity can lead to frustration and hinder the overall effectiveness of the coaching, training, and development process. In conclusion, while athletes are driven by their personal ambitions and dedication, their journey to Olympic glory is intrinsically linked to the support and resources provided by governing bodies like SSA. It is incumbent upon these organisations to prioritise the provision of comprehensive support systems encompassing training, nutrition, and financial backing. Only through such concerted efforts, can South African athletes truly fulfil their Olympic dreams and bring enduring pride to our nation on the global stage. Furthermore, I urge us to work collaboratively towards a future, where South African sports stand at the pinnacle of excellence. By establishing clear objectives, fostering talent from grassroots levels, and ensuring athlete-centred leadership, we can pave the way for a brighter sporting landscape in our beloved country.

No problem sending all the the completely unrepresentative football teams, even though they are totally useless. Plus all the 'officials', also completely unrepresentative, business class to boot ........ just get used to it White people..... your job is simply to be a punching bag and pay taxes.