South African filmmaker Anant Singh has achieved another international milestone, with his documentary ‘Personal Best’ winning the Best Thematic Documentary Award in the Golden Podiums category at the SPORTEL Awards. The accolade was presented during a glittering gala ceremony at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Monday.

Singh expressed his joy following the win.

“This is a meaningful acknowledgement for a film that celebrates the spirit and magic of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, one of the best Games ever staged.”

A South African–European co-production, Personal Best takes audiences on an immersive cinematic journey into the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, following extraordinary athletes as they push their physical and mental limits in pursuit of excellence.

The documentary showcases Olympic stars including Faith Kipyegon, Noah Lyles, Olga Kharlan, Léon Marchand, Cindy Ngamba, badminton champions Huang Yaqiong and Zheng Siwei, and surfing sensation Jack Robinson.

The film was produced by Anant Singh, Videovision Entertainment and Distant Horizon, co-produced with Olympic Channel Services, co-directed by Ady Walter and Amal Doghmi, edited by Doghmi, with an original score by South African composer Paul Hepker.

Capping off a successful year, Singh was also honoured by the International Indian Film Festival Toronto (IIFFT) during its 10th anniversary celebrations, where he received the IIFFT Film Person of the Year Award. His acclaimed biographical drama ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ was chosen to open the festival.