Why ASA removed Luxolo Adams from its Olympic squad

In an exclusive letter obtained by SABC Sport, ASA outlines the reasons for Adams’ removal from the squad, emphasizing why he should not compete in Paris later this month.

A reliable source informed the national broadcaster that the figures, including Jean Verster (ASA Track and Field Chairperson), Hendrick Mokganyetsi (ASA Athletes Commission Chairperson), Paul Gorries (relay coach), Perrie Posthumus (Adams ‘coach), Hezekiel Sepeng (ASA official), and Adams himself were made aware of the reasons for his removal.

The letter states, “You did not compete in any local or other competitions during the 2024 season due to injury, and ASA was hopeful that you would recover in time for the national championships. Your evaluation as part of the OPEX athlete program was also scheduled for the championships, but unfortunately, you were unable to participate due to your injury. You mentioned in your report that you could compete in May, and ASA encouraged you to take part in the African Senior Championships in Cameroon last month to prove your fitness. However, you declined the selection due to your ongoing recovery.”

Based on these reasons, the ASA board collectively decided to remove the athlete.

ASA believes Adams is not in good shape and not ready for the Olympics.

Adams participated in the 200m event on 6 July, clocking 21.50 seconds.

He was supposed to compete in another event in Hungary on 9 July but withdrew, leading to ASA to conclude that his performance in Italy indicates that he is not ready for the Olympics. 

READ: ASA chief Enoch Skosana optimistic about the SA marathon team in Paris

When approached for an official comment, ASA president James Moloi stated that they would release a media statement after consulting with the board.

Meanwhile, Adams issued his own statement, declaring his intention to fight for his spot on the team, insisting that he deserves the position currently set to be taken by Wayde Van Niekerk. 

Adams’ statement reads: “I want to address the recent development about my removal from the South African Olympic team. This decision has been incredibly disheartening, especially considering the journey I have undertaken and the mental and physical challenges I have faced.  I qualified for the Olympics on 23 August 2023, despite qualifying and being cleared to compete, I have faced numerous hurdles to boardroom politics and power plays. In March 2024, I began experiencing health issues classified as calcification in my hamstring. I promptly sought medical attention, underwent an MRI scan, and was referred to professor Patricious, a specialist in the field. Throughout my rehabilitation from May to July, I kept ASA informed about my progress. Despite being cleared to compete by my doctor, ASA has decided to withdraw me,” said Adams in his letter.  

Adams stated that he was informed via WhatsApp that he would be withdrawn from the team after competing in Italy due to unsubstantiated.

“I am currently seeking urgent legal intervention to prevent ASA from removing me from the team, which I qualified for and for them to be transparent and consistent in their processes and selection criteria. The matter is now with my legal team, and I shall not be making further comments at this stage,” added the statement.