This swimmer was the first South African Olympic champion ever in any sport. She won the 100 m and 200m freestyle at the Atlanta games in 1996, opening the way for her compatriots. A few days later, one of South Africa's athletes, Thugwane, won a third gold medal. After moving to the United States, Penny Heyns continued her training with an eye on another double in Sydney in 2000. She failed, winning no more than a bronze in the 100 metre breaststroke.