1922 — Johnny Weissmuller, known as the “Flying Fish,” breaks a minute in the 100m freestyle with a record-smashing time of 58.6 sec at a gala in Alameda. He went on to win multiple Olympic gold medals and gained fame playing Tarzan in Hollywood.
1949 — Bobby Locke becomes the first South African to win a golf major, securing the first of his four British Open titles. He dominated a playoff round with Ireland’s Harry Bradshaw to claim victory at Royal St George’s.
1991 — South Africa rejoins the International Olympic Committee after over 30 years of isolation, with an invitation to the 1992 Barcelona Games. This followed the repeal of major apartheid legislation, leading to the approval of the Interim National Olympic Committee for full recognition.
2021 — Akani Simbine’s winning streak of 18 races ends as he places second at the Diamond League meet in Monaco. This event was seen as a preview of the 100m Olympic final, with Simbine finishing behind American Ronnie Baker.