South Africa competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, People's Republic of China. The team included 136 athletes, as of 10 July 2008. South Africa had its worst medals performance at an Olympics since 1994 (winter games), and tied its performance in the 1936 Games.
Medalists
Archery
South Africa sent archers to the Olympics for the fifth time, seeking the nation's first Olympic medal in the sport. Calvin Hartley earned the country its only qualifying spot, in the men's competition, by placing first in the 2008 African championship.
Athletics
Men
Track & road events
Field events
Women
Track & road events
Field events
Badminton
Boxing
South Africa qualified one boxer for the Olympic boxing tournament. Jackson Chauke earned a spot in the flyweight competition at the second African continental qualifying tournament.
Canoeing
Slalom
Sprint
Men
Women
Qualification Legend: QS = Qualify to semi-final; QF = Qualify directly to final
Cycling
Road
Mountain biking
BMX
Diving
Women
Fencing
Men
Women
Field hockey
Men's tournament
Team roster
Group play
Classification match for 11th/12th place
Women's tournament
Team roster
Group play
Classification match for 11th/12th place
Gymnastics
Rhythmic
Judo
Rowing
Men
Women
Qualification Legend: FA=Final A (medal); FB=Final B (non-medal); FC=Final C (non-medal); FD=Final D (non-medal); FE=Final E (non-medal); FF=Final F (non-medal); SA/B=Semifinals A/B; SC/D=Semifinals C/D; SE/F=Semifinals E/F; QF=Quarterfinals; R=Repechage
Sailing
Women
M = Medal race; EL = Eliminated – did not advance into the medal race; CAN = Race cancelled
Men
M = Medal race; EL = Eliminated – advanced into the medal race; CAN = Final Race cancelled
Shooting
Women
Swimming
Men
Women
Natalie du Toit, five time gold medallist at the Athens Paralympics in 2004, has qualified to compete, becoming the first amputee ever to qualify for the Olympic Games in the 10 kilometre open water race. She finished in 16th place.