Photo Credit:

Kipchoge: AP Images

Assefa: Getty Images

A thrilling week of sports has concluded, featuring record-breaking performances at the Berlin Marathon, captivating Rugby World Cup drama, and more. 

Berlin Marathon

Eliud Kipchoge etched his name in history by clinching his fifth Berlin Marathon victory, completing the race in an astounding time of 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 42 seconds. This remarkable achievement made him the first person ever to accomplish such a feat.

To be the first one winning the Berlin Marathon five times is something that I could only dream of. We have so much history together whereby I cannot put into words the feeling I get when running these streets. Thank you to all the fans out on the course today. pic.twitter.com/EUWYQoCPEN

— Eliud Kipchoge – EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) September 24, 2023

Meanwhile, Tigist Assefa secured her second consecutive Berlin Marathon title and shattered the Women’s Marathon World Record, crossing the finish line in an astonishing 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds. This time was a full two minutes faster than the previous record.

🏆 WORLD RECORD 🏆

Tigist Assefa smashes the world record with 2:11:52 at the BMW #BerlinMarathon #AbbottWMM pic.twitter.com/rBV2lLHIe7

— Abbott WMMajors (@WMMajors) September 24, 2023

Sheila Chepkirui claimed an impressive second-place finish with a time of 2:17:49, crossing the finish line nearly six minutes after Assefa.

Rugby World Cup

On Thursday, September 21st, Namibia faced a formidable challenge against France, resulting in a harsh 96-0 defeat, further exacerbated by a red card issued to their skipper, Johan Deysel.

South Africa also encountered a tough opponent in the world number one, Ireland. Despite a valiant effort, the Springboks fell short, losing 13-8. Fly-half Maine Libbok’s struggles with scoring kicks played a role in this defeat.

The #Springboks coaches are not oblivious to the goal-kicking issues and are considering their options – more here: https://t.co/IAvMnAmYl6 👟#StrongerTogether #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/b9M2LKdD1S

— Springboks (@Springboks) September 24, 2023

Banyana Banyana

Game 1

On Friday, September 22nd, Banyana Banyana had their first friendly encounter with the USA, but they suffered a tough 3-0 defeat.

Game 2

On Sunday, September 24th, Banyana Banyana faced the USA once again in their second friendly match, where they had another challenging game, resulting in a 2-0 defeat.

ABOUT PROTOUCH AFRICA

PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling 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 in Q1 of 2024 by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.