Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 59, June 2014 | Page 20

Feature

With fireworks both on and off the track, Varsity
Athletics is going a long way to reigniting public
interest in track and field athletics in South Africa.

–

BY SEAN FALCONER

I

n the 70s and 80s, the stadiums were filled to capacity whenever an
athletics meet took place in South Africa. Despite international isolation
due to the country’s Apartheid policies, many of our athletes were world
class, and it was exciting to watch them. Unfortunately, in recent years
the sport has received a lot less publicity and support – not because we
don’t have good athletes, but more because there is just so much sport
on television these days, and other sports perhaps offer a better live
experience.
However, that is turning around now, thanks in part to Varsity Athletics,
the Monday night meets featuring eight of SA’s best-performing
universities, and broadcast on SuperSport. These meets have brought
the razz-matazz back to athletics, with pumping music, fireworks,
che \