Last week 26-year-old the former Bloemfonteiner was named in the South African women’s team that will go to Japan.

Her mother, Lynne Walraven, represented Zimbabwe as a swimmer at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, while her great-uncle was a rower at the 1964 Games in Tokyo, and her great-great uncle was hurdler at the 1936 Games in Berlin.

Erasmus told OFM Sport that to become an Olympian is a dream come true.

“When we were told who made it into the team of 16 going to the Olympics, I firstly went into a state of shock, at a stage I didn't even know if my heart was beating anymore.

“Then I went through a phase of disbelief – did this just happen? When I climbed into my car, I just broke down.

“I think what got to me was the fact that now I get to go to Tokyo and represent South Africa at the Olympic Games. I get to be the fourth generation in my family to go – that is when it hit me.

“I am so blessed to be able to add my name to the family tree of Olympians.”

The 2021 Olympics will take place from 23 July to 8 August.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport