South African Team of 36
Athletics South Africa, the nation’s governing body for track and field, has unveiled a formidable team of 36 athletes, comprised of 24 men and 12 women, who will represent South Africa at the prestigious 19th edition of the World Athletics Championships set to kick off in Budapest, Hungary next week.
Two standout names in the lineup are former 400m world champion and current world record holder Wayde van Niekerk and the South African 100m record holder Akani Simbine. Van Niekerk, who triumphed in the 400m category in the 2015 and 2017 World Championships, has made a remarkable comeback this year after recovering from a near-career-ending injury, setting his sights on securing yet another medal on the world stage.
Star Athletes aiming for the podium
Simbine, eager to ascend the podium, comes to this competition with a tantalizing desire, having narrowly missed out on medals in the past three editions of the World Championships. He will also spearhead the South African 4x100m relay team, adding a layer of excitement to the sprint events.
The team’s depth extends beyond these star athletes. The lineup includes other impressive names like Antonio Alkana, the African 110m hurdles record holder, Victor Hogan, a former World Championships finalist in discus throw, and Zakithi Nene and Luxolo Adams, both former Diamond League meeting victors in their respective events.
Young but potent women's team
The women’s contingent, while relatively young, is equally determined. They aspire to gain invaluable experience competing at the highest level and intend to make a strong impact despite facing formidable global competition. Athletes such as Zeney van der Walt, a Commonwealth Games medallist in the 400m hurdles, and Marione Fourie, the SA record holder in the 100m hurdles, aim to surprise the opposition and make their mark.
South Africa will be represented by a full-strength team of 36 athletics at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest between 19-27 August.
— Athletics_SA (@AthleticsSA_) August 11, 2023
Let's get behind them! pic.twitter.com/3OwXjDszWT
Warriors holding the national flag
James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa, expressed unwavering confidence in the team, hailing them as “warriors” who will hold the national flag high. Moloi emphasized the importance of the journey ahead, urging the athletes to enjoy the process but reminding them that this is no vacation.
Best athletes in the world competing over nine days
The upcoming World Athletics Championships, spanning nine days, will commence in Budapest from August 19th to August 27th, 2023. It promises to be a thrilling showcase of global athletic prowess, and Athletics South Africa is eager to see its team shine on this international stage.
On this day, 40 years ago @Carl_Lewis concluded his historic #WorldAthleticsChamps treble by winning the long jump and 4x100m on the same day in Helsinki 👀
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 10, 2023
100m 🥇
4x100m 🥇
Long jump 🥇 pic.twitter.com/yNogAYgbfz
