Written by: Gillian Fraser
Article source: JOY! Magazine

The 2020 Summer Olympics, which took place in Tokyo between 23 July – 8 August 2021, was an unprecedented experience for athletes from around the world. With no crowds and no celebratory events, the Olympians strived to outperform each other and bring home medals for their countries. Two such ladies achieved this feat for South Africa, bringing glory and honour not only to our beautiful nation, but also to their heavenly Father.

Tatjana Schoenmaker

Tatjana Schoenmaker is a 24-year-old swimming dynamo, based in Pretoria. In 2020 she completed her B Comm degree from the University of Pretoria, and in 2021 she brought home both a gold and a silver medal for South Africa for her outstanding swimming efforts in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events.

Gold Medals and World Records
As she finished the 200m race, it took the athlete several seconds to realise that she had not only won the final, but also made the best time in history: 2:18,95. The images of her rivals in the finals embracing the winner and expressing their happiness for Schoenmaker has been praised as a great example of fair play. Schoenmaker is the first South African female to bring home an Olympic swimming medal since 2000.

All glory to the Father
Not only is Tatjana a record-smashing Olympian athlete, but she is also a firm believer and follower of Christ. Tatjana swims with two caps on her head, one representing South African colours, and one underneath that is imprinted with the words, “Soli Deo Gloria” – Glory to God alone.

A close relationship with Christ
In an interview with Thislife Online, Tatjana shared that she connects with God by intentionally spending time alone with Him. She said, “I go to a church called Every Nation, and walk out filled with energy and the sense that nothing in my week can defeat me. I feel alive in His presence.”

Bianca Buitendag

Bianca Buitendag is another phenomenal South African athlete. We were actually in primary school together at Somerset House, and I had the privilege of growing up with Bianca. Although she moved to George at a young age, she was always a dedicated and promising surfer – we all knew that she was going to make it!

Winning silver at the first ever surfing event
At 27-years-old, Bianca represented South Africa at the 2020 Summer Olympics where she won a silver medal in the women’s shortboard competition. This was the first time that surfing was held at the Olympics.

Pouring her heart out
After winning the medal, Bianca shared a tribute, “Though I like to believe that I’m tough and independent, I want to acknowledge my Heavenly Father who has held my hand tightly through all these years, through the dark and scary,” said Bianca, who experienced devastation when she lost her father a few years ago. “This medal goes out to my mom, who beat two cancers in one year, and to those who fight daily victories no one sees. You deserve silver and gold, not me.”

Stepping away from surfing
According to Thislife Online, Bianca has now decided to stop competitive surfing and intends to help manage an NPO called LIFE Community Services, which serves vulnerable communities, and to whom she has donated surf winnings in the past. Initial plans are for her to help oversee the construction of a primary school. With a degree in finance and accounting, she should be perfectly placed to assist.

Olympic surfing silver medallist Bianca Buitendag

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Date published: 21/08/2021

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