Springboks

Springbok colours were the highest sporting honour a South African could achieve Springboks of any sports were revered and the award was highly coveted. The South African Amateur Swimming Union awarded Springbok colours to competitors in international competition, since Looper Godfrey represented South Africa at the 1912 Olympic Games. The last time Springbok colours were awarded to swimmers, water polo players, synchronised swimmers or diver was (probably) in 1992.

After the international sports boycott began to limit South African participation in international events, Springbok colours became even more sought after. In the late 1960's SAASU began to compete against neighbouring Rhodesia in a series of annual 'Tests', allowing competitors to achieve the award. Later SAASU arranged tours by overseas competitors, usually in defiance of their own national governing bodies, allowing the tradition of Springbok colours to continue. 

By the late 1980's 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. Since the demise of the of SAASU and amateur sports administration in South Africa after 1992, only rugby players are allowed to be awarded Springbok colours.

Although today most people have probably forgotten about the award, the impact of the symbols was significant. Swimmers of many nations have sported tattoos of their national emblems. Penny Heyns had a highly visible Springbok tattoo on her shoulder in Atlanta in 1996. Some might object to it, but the athletes understand the motivational value of such symbols as the Springbok.