ACOG - News - IBM

(25 July 1996; Day 06)

South Africa Keeps Undefeated Streak Alive in Men's Hockey

You'll have to forgive the South African men's hockey squad for its celebration on Thursday morning. South Africa had just mounted an incredible rally to tie Korea 3-3 in a Pool B preliminary match, and it looked like they had just won the gold medal. There was jumping. There were hugs. The cool-down lap after the game turned into a victory tour. All of this for just a tie? Well, this was a special tie.

Thursday was special for South Africa for three reasons. First, the furious rally. Trailing 3-1 with just over 10:00 left to play, it looked as if Korea was in charge of the game. Then South Africa instituted a high-pressure offense and defense. With 3:54 left, William FULTON slapped a penalty stroke shot past Korean goalkeeper KOO Jin-Soo to move his team to within one goal. At 2:26, Gregory NICOL scored his second goal of the game on a penalty corner play and knotted the game for good. And, while the offense had a starring role in the tying production, South African goalkeeper Chris MYBURGH should win an award for best supporting actor. While the South African offense was waiting for a jump-start, MYBURGH was keeping the game within reach, blocking shot after shot by the Koreans and totaling six saves on the day.

Secondly, these Olympic Games in Atlanta aren't just another four-year event for the South Africans. This is the men's hockey squad's first-ever Olympic tournament. The tie keeps South Africa with an unblemished record at 0-0-3. Three points in three games puts the South Africans in a solid position heading into the home stretch of pool competition.

Thirdly, while some countries take an Olympic Games invitation for granted, South Africa is thrilled to have its athletes compete in their second consecutive Olympic Games. The 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona was the first time in 32 years the country had made an Olympic Games appearance. The International Olympic Committee had prohibited the country from participating due to their policy of apartheid, but removed the ban in 1991 in anticipation of the policy's elimination.

So why all of the celebration after just another tie? Remember, it's not just another tie to South Africa. It's history in the making.

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Kevin Henry.


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