Meyerton teenager wins bronze at the Youth Olympics

Darius Botha won the bronze medal in the men’s shot put at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday. He reached 19.23m on his third attempt, narrowly beating South Korea’s Soohwan Lee‘s 19.15m to secure a podium finish.

Pyetro Henrico Souza of Brazil took gold with a best of 19.79m, followed by Jamaica’s Xhaevion Kelly, who won silver with 19.34m.

Botha also mustered puts of 17.52m and 18.84m, but unfortunately failed with his other three attempts.

Winning silver was a proud moment for the learner from Hoërskool Dr Malan in Meyerton, who can’t wait to share his medal with his parents.

“They’re my biggest supporters; they’re in the stands. They wanted to see me win gold, but I tried my best. At least we got a medal.

“I want to thank them for spending all the money for me to go train, for taking me to train. I’m very lucky that they’re so supportive.”

Although he was happy with his result, Botha believes he could’ve done better,

“That wasn’t the best performance of my life,” he shared. “I’ve been in really good form, but I still got a medal.

Touching on the challenges of competing in Dakar, he said: “Mostly the heat, the heat’s very bad, but it’s fine. Everyone’s dealing with the same heat, so we’re managing. Technical issues, more of that.”

“The other guys, they’re very good. Loved the competition. I came here for one event, but it’s nice. First Olympic Games in Africa. I feel honoured to have a medal from it.”

Botha’s bronze was Team South Africa‘s second bronze of the Dakar 2026 Games, bringing their total tally to seven medals, including four silvers and a gold.

South Africa’s latest medal haul:

• Gold: Callum Dreyer (Hilton College) – Men’s Coastal Beach Rowing

• Silver:  John-Piere Theron (Driehoek)– Hammer Throw

• Silver:  Leah Markgraaff (HeronBridge College) – 400m Freestyle

• Silver: SA u17 Rugby Sevens team

• Silver & Bronze: Chanel Veldman (Menlopark) – 100m Breaststroke (Silver) and 200m Breaststroke (Bronze)

• Bronze: Darius Botha (Dr Malan) – Men’s Shot Put