All Africa Games: Happy Heyns lifts medal haul
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PENNY HEYNS, who has broken nine world swimming records in the past two months, has brought much-needed star quality to the All Africa Games.
The South African double Olympic champion scored an easy victory in the women's 200 metres breaststroke.
Heyns clocked 2min 28sec, well short of the world record 2:23.64 she set at last month's Pan Pacific Championships in Sydney but still a Games record.
"I'm glad it's over," she said. "This was the one I was worried about because of the altitude."
The 24-year-old says she aims to go faster at next year's Sydney Olympics. Her performance spearheaded the hosts' dominance in the pool.
The bravest swimming performance so far, however, has been from Zimbabwean disabled swimmer Toddy Mudzenjerere. The 34-year-old, disabled by polio, took 4min 23.76sec to swim a one-length race in the 50-metre Ellis Park pool in one of the most emotional moments of the Games so far. "I just wanted to be part of the Games," Mudzenjerere said after his feat.
The acting African hockey president, Steve Jaspan, was robbed of his wallet and cellular phone on Sunday while on the way from his Johannesburg home to the Games. This follows Friday's carjacking of an official Games vehicle in Soweto.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments