The sports weekend was a thrilling spectacle of record-breaking performances in the Diamond League and displays of resilience in the FIFA World Cup. Unforgettable moments of extraordinary athleticism and determination left fans exhilarated and hungry for more!

 

Diamond League London

 

The 2023 Diamond League in London saw astonishing performances on the 23rd of July. Letsile Tebogo of Botswana set an African record in the men’s 200m with 19.50, South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk won the men’s 400m in 44.46, and Kenya’s Jackline Chepkoech achieved a world lead and meeting record in the Women’s 3000m steeplechase with 8:57.35.

 

Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay triumphed in the women’s 5000m with a lifetime and meeting best of 14:12.29, while Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet secured second place with a personal best of 14:12.92. Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou seized her fourth Diamond League win of the season in the women’s 100m, setting a meeting record of 10.74.

 

A 5000m for the ages!!!

Gudaf Tsegay of #Ethiopia smashes the meeting record with 14:12.29 while her compatriot Medina Eisa breaks the world U20 record with 14:16.54 in the #London @Diamond_League #LondonDL #WorldAthletics pic.twitter.com/qDsIZBXb4E

— FBC (Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C.) (@fanatelevision) July 23, 2023

 

Tour de France

 

Representing South Africa, Ashleigh Moolman Pasio impressively secured the fifth position in the individual rankings during an exhilarating stage one of the Tour de France Femmes. Completing the challenging 123.8 km stage in 3:04.52 on July 23rd. Her exceptional cycling abilities and unwavering focus have earned well-deserved recognition and inspired fellow athletes.

 

Tour de France Femmes stage 2: Clermont Ferrand – Mauriac (152km): A challenging stage for the peloton as they confront 6 categorised climbs. We think Ashleigh Moolman Pasio will take the win today; she looked strong on stage 1 and will be even better suited to today's terrain. pic.twitter.com/GNqCO4q6Bl

— WhittleFit (@WhittleFit) July 24, 2023

 

Eritrean cyclist Biniam Grimy left an unforgettable mark on the Tour de France’s final stage on July 23. He claimed a remarkable 6th place in the individual rankings with sheer determination and skill, earning admiration in his tour debut.

 

FIFA Women’s World Cup

 

The opening stage of the FIFA World Cup group matches has proven challenging for African teams. Nigeria, ranked 40th in the world, showed their mettle with a hard-fought draw against Canada, ranked 7th in the world, on July 21st.

 

Zambia, ranked 77th in the world, faced a tough match against Japan, ranked 11th in the world, and unfortunately suffered a 5-0 defeat in their opening game on July 22nd.

 

On July 23rd, South Africa, ranked 54th globally, took on Sweden, ranked 3rd. Banyana Banyana fought valiantly, managing to grab the match’s first goal. However, in the game’s dying minutes, Sweden made a comeback, scoring their second goal and securing the victory. Despite the challenges, the African sides have displayed determination and skill on the world stage.

 

Morocco, ranked 72nd in the world, displayed incredible determination against second-ranked Germany today. Despite their spirited fight, they couldn’t withstand the German onslaught, leading to a decisive 6-0 victory for Germany.

 

It ends 0-0 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium courtesy of some Captain Chiamaka heroics. 🧤#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 21, 2023

 

World Aquatics Championships

 

Egyptians Mohamed Farouk and Maha Eissa demonstrated their synchronicity by claiming the 9th position in the Mixed 3m Synchronised final at the World Aquatics Championships on July 22nd. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker secured her spot in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke, qualifying with the third-fastest time for the classification earlier in the day.

 

 

Photo Credit: Gudaf Tsegay wins 5000m at Diamond League London 2023/Ed Hall

 

ABOUT PROTOUCH AFRICA

 

PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-driven and for-profit Sports Tech, business founded in 2016 with the purpose to enable African Athletes to perform on the World Stage. It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.

 

ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes, by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans and the brands that support them.