Whitebooi’s Olympic journey under the spotlight

Loading player...
“It’s never easy, especially when you dream of being on the podium at the highest level of competition, it’s never easy to return home without a medal.”


These are the words of Gqeberha-born Geronay Whitebooi whose Olympic medal hopes were cut short in the last 16 of the judo competition at Paris 2024.

This was Whitebooi’s second Olympics, but in reaching the last 16, having seen off Argentina’s Jacqueline Solis in her opening contest, she had bettered her return from Tokyo 2020.

“I’m pretty happy with my result, but obviously not ecstatic because everyone wants to come home with a medal,” Whitebooi said.

In Behind The Herald Headlines with Daron Mann this week, she takes us through the Olympics experience, describing it as “better than Tokyo” and talks about her plans going forward. 

We also speak to Olympic medallist and swimmer Ryk Neethling, who shares his thoughts on the competition in the pool so far. 
31 Jul 2024 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Nelson Mandela Bay's polluted rivers under the spotlight

A recent report tabled at a public health committee meeting showed that four rivers in Nelson Mandela Bay had elevated levels of bacterial pollutants. The report was compiled from 359 samples taken between September and December. In this week’s Behind The Herald Headlines with Daron Mann, we chat with DA…
28 Feb 13 min

The Herald Cycle Tour from the saddle

Nearly 3,000 riders participated in The Herald Cycle Tour this year, split over two events — the mountain bike and road races. Recognised as one of the heavyweight cycling events of SA, the tour is rated by many as one of the top classics on the sporting calendar, among other…
20 Feb 8 min

Poaching of talented school pupils in the spotlight

Pressure to be the best and secure top honours in school sport has led to poaching. In Behind The Herald Headlines with Daron Mann this week, he chats to Hannes Nienaber, who is responsible for written content at SuperSport Schools. Under discussion is the latest incident at top public schools in…
13 Feb 13 min

How EP rugby is preparing for new season

The EP rugby team have been hard at work on the training field and will have a camp this weekend in preparation for their opening game. In Behind The Herald Headlines with Daron Mann this week, he chats to new EP Elephants rugby coach Allister Coetzee who says he is happy…
6 Feb 13 min

What’s really going on in the DRC

The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo which claimed the lives of SA soldiers is likely to escalate. That’s political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast speaking in the wake of the death of 13 soldiers killed in fighting with M23 rebels in the DRC. The SA troops are in Congo as…
29 Jan 15 min