Schoenmaker arrived back in South Africa yesterday after she won the silver in the 100m breaststroke and gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The new 200m world record holder is the only swimmer to have medaled at the Games.

Upon her arrival, Schoenmaker said she hopes she can inspire through her success in the pool.

“For me, it was just about going out there and giving my best.

“Through my achievements, I hope I could've given someone some hope.

“Knowing that our country was going through such a tough time, if I could just give that little bit of hope.

“As we know, sport unites people. It is not just relying on the athletes to unite us, but to make a decision as a country to get together.”

South Africa’s only other medal at the Games to date belongs to now retired Bianca Buitendag who claimed the silver in surfing.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport