ASA official Hendrick Mokganyetsi hails track and field season as a success

ASA ended a six-year medal drought at the senior championships by securing two silver medals, one in the 4x100m relay and the other in the javelin throw. 

Akani Simbine narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the 100m final, while Prudence Sekgodiso placed 8th in the women’s 800m final. 

Brian Raats also made the men’s high jump final, along with the 4x400m relay team, all contributing to what Mokganyetsi described as an overwhelming success for South African athletics.

At the Junior Championships in Lima, Athletics South Africa (ASA) claimed seven medals. Bayanda Walaza achieved a sprint double, winning both the 100m and 200m titles, while Udeme Okon earned gold in the 400m and silver in the 4x400m relay.

Bradley Nkoana took home a bronze in the 100m, and Hannah Van Nierkerk secured bronze in the 400m hurdles with JL Van Rensburg claiming a silver medal in shot-put.

READ: Stephen Mokoka advises young athletes to focus on a single discipline

South Africa secured sixth place on the medal table, maintaining a strong level of consistency in the junior ranks over the past three years, following similar performances in 2021 and 2022.

South Africa also delivered a strong performance at the All-Africa Games in Ghana, finishing third on the medal table, and later dominated the African Senior Championships in Cameroon, securing first place just ahead of the Olympic Games.

"2024 was a strong year for South African track and field," Mokganyetsi shared during his interview with SABC Sport.

"We finished third at the All-Africa Games in Accra, where the event played a key role in helping athletes qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. Athletes like Victor Hogan, Joane Van Dyk, and Mine de Klerk benefitted from the world ranking system. We also selected three relay teams, with two – the 4x100m and 4x400m – securing Olympic qualification. Notably, the 4x400m relay team earned a silver medal at the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas."

Mokganyetsi added, "At the African Senior Championships, which was our athletes' final opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games, South Africa topped the medal table. We are pleased with our performance at the Olympics, securing two medals, as well as the seven medals earned at the Junior Championships.

“Looking ahead, the future is promising, as many of our athletes in Paris were between 18 and 25 years old. Preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will begin soon, with a particular focus on developing competitive women’s relay teams for the next Games."