ASA to arrange more training camps for relay teams

The Olympics are set to take place from 26 July to 11 August in Paris, with the track and field competitions starting on 1 August at the Olympic Stadium.

ASA aims to refine the team’s performance ahead of the competition. ASA President James Moloi commended the 4x100m and 4x400m teams for their Olympic qualification, highlighting them as South Africa’s chance of earning a medal at the Games.

SA 100m record holder Akani Simbine and promising athletes Bradley Nkoana, Bayanda Walaza, and Benjamin Richardson recently led the team to victory at the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas.

Similarly, World 400m record holder Wayde Van Niekerk guided the 4x400m team, including Lythe Pillay, Zakithi Nene, and Gardeo Isaacs, not only to qualify for the Olympics but also to clinch a silver medal at the championships.

Moloi told SABC Sport, “Everything is coming together; we’re now concentrating on the relay event, which presents our greatest chance of winning a medal at the Olympics. We have planned multiple training camps locally in Tshwane, Potchefstroom, with a major one in France two weeks before the Olympic Games. We’re satisfied with how the relay team performed in the Bahamas and are committed to dedicating more resources to support their efforts to win medals for our country,”  

READ: Hennie Kriel praises SA 4x400m relay team for Olympic qualification

Moloi continued, “We acknowledge that our performance at last year’s World Championships in Hungary was not up to par, but we are making the right progress now. The mix of young and experienced athletes is proving to be effective.  Keeping the team unified is crucial. We will organize two camps for the other athletes and a separate specifically for the relay team,”

Moloi emphasized that ASA’s goal is to secure two medals, aiming to compensate for the disappointment of Tokyo 2020, where they failed to clinch any. “This time we have a genuine opportunity to bring medals, individually and in the relay events. There’s a strong sense of unity among the athletes, and they are in a positive mindset,” added Moloi.