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The DA congratulates Cameron van der Burgh on winning South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

If there was any doubt about how sport can unite a common passion within all South Africans this doubt must surely have been smashed last night - along with both the Olympic and world record.

The iconic moments in South African sports enchants the nation. The 2005 Rugby World Cup and the ‘Madiba Magic’ touch. The 2010 Soccer World Cup and that Siphiwe Tshabalala left foot strike. These moments have left an indelible imprint in our national conscience. They bring a smile to our faces and a feeling of immeasurable pride to be South African.

Cameron’s record breaking achievement has joined this coveted list. Not least because he is a truly home-grown talent who did not leave the country to train overseas.

Cameron raised an Olympic gold medal, raised South African hopes and spirits, and no doubt planted a seed for South Africa to raise a generation of future Olympians.

Congratulations to Cameron on his extraordinary achievement and best wishes to every South African yet to take to the field in the green and gold at the 2012 Olympic Games.