TRACK & FIELD

Athletics South Africa ( ASA ) recently released the list of South African athletes who have already secured their place in Budapest by virtue of having achieved the WA Qualifying Standards . As it stands , these athletes have all met the necessary times or distances required for automatic selection .

MEN

Akani Simbine Wayde van Niekerk Zakithi Nene Lythe Pillay Sokwakhana Zazini 4x100m Relay Tshepo Tshite Ryan Mphahlele Stephen Mokoka Melikhaya Frans

WOMEN

Zenéy van der Walt

100m 400m 400m 400m 400m Hurdles 4x100m Relay 1500m 1500m Marathon Marathon

400m Hurdles

One could add the name of Taylon Bieldt to this list , after her scintillating new SA 100m Hurdles Record run of 12.76 in the Meeting Internazionale Citta Lucca in Italy on Sunday 4 June . Bieldt took 15 hundredths of a second off the previous national mark of 12.81 , set by Rikennette Steenkamp in 2018 . The automatic qualifier for this event for these World Champs is 12.78 .

Looking for More Qualifiers

Furthermore , ASA has announced an SA Preparation Squad , consisting of athletes that the national body envisages could still qualify before 31 July in those events that allow qualification up till that point . ( This excludes the marathon and 35km race walk events , for whom the deadline closed at midnight on 30 May ). The Preparation Squad includes all athletes that could qualify as either Area Champion or via their position on the WA Ranking lists .

Chasing Qualification : Antonio Alkana

The danger of not hitting an automatic qualifier means that while athletes are chasing points to try secure their spot in the World Championship Team , they run the risk , should they qualify , of entering the Championships in a tired state . Those who have already qualified can now focus on doing their final preparations in order to be in peak shape come the World Championships . That means they can ease up on the intensity of their training and competition , if necessary . In contrast , those athletes who have yet to qualify run the risk of over-competing , or worse , an injury .

Promising Relay Talent

South Africa definitely has the ability to pick up a medal in the 4x100m men ’ s relay , and could possibly challenge for one in the men ’ s 4x400m relay , too . The 4x100m relay team has already booked their spot at these World Championships by virtue of making the finals at the 2022 World Championships , and there

Chasing Qualification : Miranda Coetzee

is a formidable squad available to SA Sprint Relay Coach , Paul Gorries . However , the 4x400m teams are running out of time to hit a qualifier , with limited relay races left on the calendar in which to qualify .

Possible Men ’ s 4x100m Relay Squad

Akani Simbine Benjamin Richardson Rivaldo Roberts Letlhogonolo Moleyane Clarence Munyai Cheswill Johnson Adrian Swart Tshbo Matsoso Gift Leotlela Luxolo Adams Shaun Maswanganyi

Possible Men ’ s 4x400m Relay Squad

Wayde Van Niekerk Lythe Pillay Gardeo Isaacs Zakithi Nene Sokwakhana Zazini Tumisang Shezi Anele Nzwanzwa Tsebo Matsoso

Possible Women ’ s 4x400m Relay Squad

Zeney Van Der Walt Miranda Coetzee Shirley Nekhubui Marlie Viljoen Taylon Bieldt Coleen Scheepers Precious Molepo Angelique Strydom

The next two months will see a flurry of activity on the international athletics stage as the world ’ s athletes try to qualify for Budapest , or reach peak form as they go into the Champs in August . This will include a number of South Africans , and the country will be hoping that a strong contingent can go to Hungary , and bring back some medals .

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