The 17-year-old produced a throw of 19.23m at the Iba Mar Diop Stadium to secure a place on the podium, contributing to a memorable day for South African athletics at the Games.

Botha was among three South African athletes to win medals on Monday, with high jumper Matao le Roux striking gold and Enrique Bosch claiming bronze in the 110m hurdles.

Xhaevion Kelly of Jamaica, Pyetro Henrico of Brazil, and Darius Botha of South Africa - TeamSA/SASCOC

This follows on the hammer throw silver won by Vanderbijlpark’s John-Pierre Theron on Sunday for South Africa’s first track and field medal at the Games.

For Botha, however, the achievement carried extra significance, as he became a medallist at the first-ever Olympic event hosted on African soil.

While delighted with his bronze, the Meyerton athlete admitted that there was a sense of unfinished business, knowing he had more in the tank.

Darius Botha - TeamSA/SASCOC

“Firstly, I am extremely proud to have won a medal for Team South Africa in the first-ever Olympic event on African soil. There is a small thought of ‘what if’, as I know I did not throw my best.

“Technically, I was not quite up to par, but to manage to bring home the bronze is amazing, and I am so happy I could do it for this amazing team.

“Everyone involved with Team South Africa has been great, and I want to thank everyone for their support. I am so happy.”

Enrique Bosch won the bronze in the men's 110m hurdles - TeamSA/SASCOC

Botha's podium finish formed part of an outstanding showing by the South African athletics team, with Le Roux clearing 2.16m to win the high jump gold medal.

The 17-year-old from Caledon delivered when it mattered most, clearing the winning height on his first attempt and putting Chinese rival Sen Liu under pressure.

Bosch also celebrated a podium finish in the 110m hurdles, clocking 13.45 seconds to take bronze despite experiencing problems with his starting block.

Matao le Roux with his gold medal for the men's high jump - TeamSA/SASCOC

South Africa's medal tally has now climbed to nine, equalling the country's best-ever return at the Youth Olympic Games, matching the nine medals won at the inaugural event in Singapore in 2010.

With more athletics action still to come, Team SA will be hoping to add further medals to an already impressive haul.

Megan Nieman has also booked her place in Tuesday's 400m final after winning her semi-final in 1:00.56.

Other South Africans scheduled to compete in athletics on Tuesday include Jacobus van der Merwe in the javelin, Milan Blignaut in the high jump and Lara Stander in the 1500m.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport