Springboks

From 1906 until 1992 Springbok colours were the highest sporting honour a South African could achieve. Springboks of any sport were relatively rare, and holders were revered in any sporting code. Until the badge was commercialized in the 1980s, its use was strictly managed.

The last time Springbok colours were awarded was (probably) in 1991, as the 1992 Olympic athletes did not receive Springbok colours. Today all South African sporting codes, except rugby, use the Protea badge when participating in international competitions, from junior, age group, and up to the senior level.

Today (2024) selection for most international events is limited by qualifying times. However, because the South African government mandates racial quotas for the selection of all sports teams, from primary school to the international level, some athletes have been awarded national colours on that basis. As a result, some athletes have missed out on selection, despite achieving the required qualifying times.

Penny Heyns sporting a Springbok tattoo.

After the international sports boycott began to limit South African participation in international events in the 1960s, Springbok colours became even more rare and sought after. In the late 1960s, SAASU began to compete against neighbouring Rhodesia in the four disciplines. This allowed competitors to achieve Springbok colours. After Rhodesian independence in 1980, SAASU arranged incoming tours by overseas competitors. 

By the late 1980s, SAASU could no longer entice international competitors to the country, so a system of "Springbok colours qualifying times" was set up to reward outstanding achievements at nationals. At that time many national championship title holders were leaving South Africa to compete in the American university system, leaving their titles undefended. Click here to see a list of swimmers and divers who left.

Although today most people have probably forgotten about the award for non-rugby players, the impact of the Bok symbol was significant. Swimmers of many nations have tattoos of their national emblems. 

This is a list of athletes who were awarded Springbok colours in the SAASU disciplines of swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming. Because some swimmers also competed in multisports - triathlon, biathlon and biathle, these are also included here. Some swimmers also competed in lifesaving and became double or even triple Springboks.

NOTE: As no official records are available, these lists are probably incomplete. Only senior-level colours awards are included.