Balfour heaps accolades on Heyns, Sepeng

JOHANNESBURG -- The Minister of Sport and Recreation Ngconde Balfour yesterday showered praise on South Africa's Olympic medallists, swimmer Penny Heyns and 800-metre athlete Hezekiel Sepeng, on their return from the Pan-Pacific Games in Sydney and the World Championships in Seville respectively.

"It is becoming difficult to keep pace with your breathtaking records," said Balfour in an open letter to Heyns, who recently has won two gold medals and set seven world records.

"That you have achieved what you have in such a short space of time, and with such regularity, is an indication that you are more than a champion -- a hero of the people of our country.

"Penny, it is with all sincerity that I wish to convey to you the pride I felt when I heard that you broke yet another record.

"It was a pride shared by the government and the nation. You are truly a remarkable champion.

"What is striking is the humility you display. Not for a moment is there a hint that your achievements are for only yourself. The way you share it with us here at home and the patriotism you reveal as a South African are characteristics which will always remain with us.

"May the youth strive towards your excellence and may they be inspired by you."

Addressing Sepeng, who was narrowly beaten in Seville, Balfour said: "Watching you strain to cross the finish line ahead of Wilson Kipketer in the 800m final reminded me that, as a South African nation, we will continue to rise above adversity.

"Your silver medal performance was indeed a personal triumph for you, but it is also a triumph shared by the nation.

"More significant was that your performance was achieved at a time that our SA team had not been reaching the heights which we knew they were capable of.

''There was very little to choose between you and Wilson and we know the gold medal is not far off.

"Adding this medal to your collection is an indication of the determination, grit and skill you display.

''We are impressed by the humble manner in which you deal with these achievements, more so by the manner in which you acknowledged the performance of your opponent.

"The positive role model you portray to the youth of our country is not lost on us.

''We hope that our young potential sports stars will draw strength and encouragement from you." -- Sapa