A former South African women's international cricketer has won silver in the javelin at the Olympic Games in Rio
Former Protea claims silver medal in Rio
Former South Africa cricketer Sunette Viljoen has joined an exclusive club of international cricketers to win an Olympic medal after she snared silver in the javelin in Rio de Janeiro.
Viljoen, who has played 17 One-Day Internationals and one Test for the Proteas women’s side, finished second in the javelin final after her throw of 64.92 metres was overhauled only by Croatia’s Sara Kolak, who threw 66.18 metres.
The 33-year-old joins a select group of international cricketers who have claimed Olympic medals, along with the likes of English gold-medalists Claude Buckenham (in football in 1900), Johnny Douglas (in boxing in 1908) and Jack MacBryan (in hockey in 1920).
This moment... Eternally greatful to God and all my fellow South Africans for their support. This is for you! pic.twitter.com/DkhBktISa8
— Sunette Viljoen (@Sunette_Viljoen) August 20, 2016
Viljoen played the last of her international matches against India 2002, notching her highest score of 71 in Paarl, South Africa.
After giving up bat and ball for the spear, the allrounder was the javelin champion at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Viljoen competed at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games and was whiskers away from making the podium at the 2012 Games in London, finishing fourth in the javelin final.
Her silver in Rio comes after Brandon Starc, the younger brother of Australia fast-bowler Mitchell Starc, was a surprise qualifier for the final of the high-jump in Rio.
Brandon finished 15th overall, registering a highest jump of 2.20 metres in the final.