Springboks

Springbok colours were the highest sporting honour a South African could achieve. Springboks of any sport were revered and the award was highly coveted. Until the badge was commercialized in the 1980s, it was strictly managed.

The South African Amateur Swimming Union awarded Springbok colours to competitors in international competitions since Looper Godfrey represented South Africa at the 1912 Olympic Games. The last time Springbok colours were awarded for swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming or diving was (probably) in 1991, as the 1992 Olympic atheletes did not receive Springbok colours.

Swimmers who also participated in multisports disciplines - triathlon, biathlon and biathle - were also awarded Springbok colours for international participation. 

Today all South African sporting codes, except rugby, use the Protea badge when participating in international competitions. Today (2024) selection for most international events is limited by qualifying times. However, because the South African government mandates racial quotas for selection of all sports teams, from primary school to international level, some athletes have been awarded national colours on that basis, while others have been passed over, despite achieving the required qualifying times.

Penny Heyns sporting a Springbok tattoo.

After the international sports boycott began to limit South African participation in international events, Springbok colours became even more sought after. In the late 1960s, SAASU began to compete against neighbouring Rhodesia in a series of annual 'Tests'. This allowed competitors to achieve Springbok colours. Later SAASU arranged incoming tours by overseas competitors, often retired athletes who were enticed by a healthy fee, and usually in defiance of their national governing bodies' wishes. 

By the late 1980s, SAASU could no longer entice international competitors to the country, so a system of "Springbok colours qualifying times" was set up to reward outstanding achievements at nationals. Since the demise of the SAASU and amateur sports administration in South Africa after 1992, only rugby players are allowed to be awarded Springbok colours.

Although today most people have probably forgotten about the award, the impact of the symbols was significant. Swimmers of many nations have tattoos of their national emblems. Penny Heyns had a Springbok tattoo on her shoulder in Atlanta for the Olympic Games in 1996. Some might object to it, but the athletes understand the motivational value of such symbols as the Springbok.