Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine will lead the SA team at the World Athletics Championships starting in Budapest, Hungary next week. Athletics South Africa named a strong national team on Tuesday.
The team includes a total of 36 athletes made of 24 men and 12 women who will represent South Africa at the 19th edition of the international track and field showpiece.
ALSO READ: Dijana and Steyn win comrades Marathon in record times
Van Niekerk, who won 400m gold at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships, has been in good form this year after recovering from a serious near- career-ending injury and the world record holder will be targeting a medal.
Simbine, the SA 100m record holder, will be equally eager to step on the podium after narrowly missing out on a medal at the last three editions of the World Championships. He will also spearhead the national 4x100m relay team.
WAYDE VAN NIEKERK AND AKANI SIMBINE LEAD SA TEAM
They will be joined by the likes of African 110m hurdles record holder Antonio Alkana, former World Championships finalist Victor Hogan (discus throw), Olympic finalist Kyle Blignaut (shot put), in-form sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi (100m/200m), and former Diamond League meeting winners Zakithi Nene (400m) and Luxolo Adams (200m).
In addition, Simbine and Maswanganyi will spearhead a strong SA 4x100m relay team.
Among a relatively young women’s contingent, most athletes will be looking to gain valuable experience at the highest level as they look to punch above their weight against the world’s best.
WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP IN FOR MORE SURPRISES?
Some athletes will also be aiming to spring a surprise by giving their opposition a shake, led by the likes of Commonwealth Games medallist Zeney van der Walt (400m hurdles), SA record holder Marione Fourie (100m hurdles) and middle-distance prospect Prudence Sekgodiso (800m).
“Our team is out and it’s time to go and showcase what they have fought so much for,” said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. “These are the warriors we are sending to battle and to hold the flag high.
“We believe in them and we encourage them to do the same. As they go along with the battle they must also enjoy themselves in the process, but this is no holiday.”
The nine-day World Athletics Championships will be held in Budapest between 19-27 August 2023.
The Team will depart from OR Tambo International Airport on Monday 14 August. They will return on Tuesday 29 August 2023.
