Athletics SA announce strong squad for 2023 World Athletics Championships

ASA president James Moloi has expressed optimism regarding the team’s potential to secure several medals during the competition, with emerging sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi set to take on a challenging triple role in the upcoming event.

The 22-year-old US-based star will be participating in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m races, while seasoned medal contender Akani Simbine will compete in the 100m and 4x100m events. 

Joining them, Luxolo Adams and Sinesipho Dambile round out the list of athletes undertaking dual responsibilities at the event, engaging in the 200m and 4x100m races.

Current world record-holder in the 400m (43.03 seconds), Wayde van Niekerk, who has returned to a rich vein of form, is also included in the Team SA line-up after missing the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

"We have unveiled a team of exceptional strength, aimed at bringing honour to our nation.  Our selection comprises 12 talented female athletes, creating a well-balanced list that fuels our optimism for a successful performance at the championships,” Moloi told SABC Sport.

Team SA failed to secure a medal at the previous two World Champs in Doha in 2019 and USA in 2021. However, Moloi is confident this year's team will end the four-year drought.

"We have done everything in our power to make sure that this team is prepared to take on the world. We have talent, experience, and emerging athletes,” added Moloi.

The final 36-member squad:

Shaun Maswanganyi (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Akani Simbine (200m, 4x100m), Wayde van Niekerk (400m) Sinesipho Dambile (200m, 4x100m), Luxolo Adams (200m), Zakiti Nene, Lyte Pillay (both 400m), Ryan Mphahlele, Tshepo Tshite (both 1500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10 000m), Antonio Alkana (110m hurdles), Melikhaya Frans, Simon Sibeko, Tumelo Motlagale, Irvette van Zyl (all marathon), Wayne Synman (35km race walk), Cheswil Johnson (long jump), Kyle Blignaut, Burger Lambrechts Jr (all shotput), Victor Hogan (discus), Kyle Redemeyer (pole vault), Douw Smit (javelin), Rivaldo Roberts (4x100m), Clarence Munyai (4x100m), Marli Viljoen (400m), Zeney van der Walt (400m and 400m hurdles), Miranda Coetzee (400m), Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), Carina Viljoes (1500m), Marione Fourie (100m hurdles), Yolandi Stander (discuss), Ischke Senekal (shotput), Jo-Ane van Dyk (javelin), Mire Reinstorf (pole vault).