Venturas carries flag as curtain comes down on Youth Games

Team SA fencer Nikita Venturas has been given the opportunity to carry the country’s flag at Friday’s closing ceremony as the curtain comes down on the fourth Youth Olympics and the first-ever staged on African soil.

With Team SA finishing the competition aspect of their Games on Tuesday, ending with a record 11 medals – two more than their previous high of nine at Singapore in 2010 – the Youth Olympics Athletes Village has been visible emptying, including all six medallists from track and field.

Ahead of the closing ceremiony, Team SA chef de mission (team delegation leader) Sizwe Ndlovu, announced Venturas as South Africa’s flag bearer for the closing ceremony.

The 15-year-old spoke about how she felt being selected to lead the country out of the Games. “I would not say I definitely knew but I had an idea because I am one of the few people still here. The suspicion does not take away from the feeling. I am incredibly proud to be named flagbearer and be able to represent my country in front of the world. It has been an incredible experience here in Dakar and I am honoured to be a part of such a special group of people from top to bottom.”

Venturas competed in the individual epee practice of fencing, where she picked up two wins in her six group games, earning her a place in the round of 16 where she narrowly lost to Estonian Aleksandra Nikolajeva. Although she did not go beyond the final 16, Venturas shared nothing but positivity. “It is great to be able to compete for my country. Fencing is not a very well known sport in South Africa and being able to make it through to the knockout rounds of the Youth Olympics is a big achievement for us. I hope I helped introduce the sport to more people and help it grow.”

There was a sense of sadness hovering around the camp, including Venturas and she shared the reason. “I have become really good friends with everyone here and it is very sad that they all leave today. I love them all and I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity because without it, I would never have met such amazing people and made such amazing friends. I am so happy and this is an experience I will never forget.”

SA MEDALS (11)

GOLD (3)

Callum Dreyer (boys rowing – coastal beach sprints)

Mateo le Roux (athletics, boys high jump)

Megan Nieman (athletics, women’s 400m H)

SILVER (5)

Leah Markgraaff (swimming, girls 400m freestyle)

Chanel Veldsman (swimming, girls 100m breaststroke)

John-Pierre Theron (athletics, boys hammer throw)

Rugby Sevens (boys)

Milan Blignaut (athletics, women’s high jump)

BRONZE (3)

Chanel Veldsman (swimming, girls 200m breaststroke)

Darius Botha (athletics, boys shot put)

Enrique Bosch (athletics, boys 110m H)

MEDALS BY CODES

6 Athletics

3 Swimming

1 Rowing – Coastal Beach Sprints

1 Rugby Sevens