Marione Fourie and Adriaan Wildschutt win big at the ASA awards

In a year marked by widespread underperformance among athletes, Wildschutt and Fourie significantly outshone their peers. 

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Despite 2023 being a disappointing year for ASA, with a notable failure to secure any medals at the World Senior Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Wildschutt and Fourie claimed the spotlight as they repeatedly broke the South African record.

Their exceptional performances throughout the year earned them the well-deserved titles of ASA male and female athletes of the year. 

Even beyond the challenges of a season that was filled with so many lows, the duo pushed themselves to the limit and left an indelible mark on the spot.

Wildschutt, who set new records in the 10,000 m, 5000m, and 3000m in 2023, was unable to personally accept his award as he is currently based in the United States. He earned his spotlight in the Olympic Games by surpassing the qualifying entry time of under 13 minutes and 11 seconds set by World Athletics.

This impressive feat was accomplished during Friday's Boston University John Thomas Terrier Classics. The 25-year-old hailing from Cape Town demonstrated his prowess by clocking the fastest time, winning the 5000m event in an outstanding 12:56:76. This victory solidified his claim to the ASA award, affirming that his achievement was no mere stroke of luck.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t attend to personally receive this wonderful award. Currently, I am in the USA, diligently preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris later this year. I extend my sincere gratitude to ASA for organizing these awards, and I am truly honoured to be part of this significant occasion. Congratulations to all the nominees,” expressed Wildschutt.  

Fourie, who shattered the South African record in the 100m hurdles by clocking an impressive 12:53 seconds in Switzerland, surpassing Taylon Bieldt’s previous record of 12:76 set in July last year, was taken by surprise when she won the prestigious Female Athlete of the Year award.  

“I did not expect all of this, and I am overwhelmed by my achievement,” shared Fourie with SABC Sport.

“My goal this year is to reach the final of the 100m hurdles at the Olympic Games. I didn’t think that I’d break the SA record, and now I know that I am good enough to make the Olympic final. I can consistently run quickly and compete with some of the best runners in the world. This award is motivation for me to work even harder in the new season,”