Elite athletes provide their own publicity
#FILLUPPOTCH
If you’re on twitter as much as Injury Timesyou’ll have noticed how South Africa’s top athletes have taken over the jobs of Athletics South Africa’s marketing department. Accompanied by the hashtag ‘#filluppotch’ Wayde van Niekerk, Akani Simbine and Henrico Bruintjies among others have been teasing each other about the 100m and 200m races at the National Championships, due to take place in Potchefstroom next month. Injury Times loves how it’s the athletes who’ve taken control of hyping up the event and filling in the gaping hole left by an inept administration.
The marketing has been cheeky, designed to grab attention and once the 400m world record holder, the world champion and the Olympic champion Van Niekerk got involved all bets were off. The young sprint trio of Gift Leotlela, Clarence Munyai, Thando Roto have had their 50 cents worth – trying to get under Van Niekerk’s skin. It’s been fun to watch and the use of social media has been very smart.
It’s building excitement and ASA should be grateful they have athletes so willing to give the championships primacy. A “SMALL COMPETITION”
However, while the athletes are trying to raise the profile of the event which may very well take attention away from rugby, cricket and football for a few days, ASA’S president Aleck Skhosana was doing his very best to show he still lives in the dark ages. ASA is keen that the country’s best sprinters participate in the World Relay championships in the Bahamas which is taking place at the same time as the SA champs.
“Athletics SA does not prepare athletes for the SA championships because for them the championships is not important,” Skhosana told ETV. “Athletes will always want to be where it is the easiest to excel, the likes of Simbine he must be prepared to run and take the baton and chase (Usain) Bolt at the world championships and not chase somebody at the SA championships. The country comes first before the province and before the small competitions like this (the SA championships).” Wayde van Niekerk, Akani Simbine, Anaso Jobodwana, Henrico Bruintjies and a host of prime young sprinting talent could be lined up in the same 100m race in Potchefstroom.
Then there’s Luvo Mayongo who’s already jumped 8.62m this season, oh and Caster Semenya. But ya, “small competition.” MAMA MIA
In the January transfer window, Inter Milan loaned Italian defender Andrea Ranocchia to Hull City. It’s been a difficult transition. Said Ranocchia: “I do struggle with the language and driving on the wrong side of the road was a problem. I’ve already scraped the rims on my car wheels on the pavements! I’ve been here for a month and a half, but I am yet to see the sun. It rains practically every day. I really miss pasta, too.”
We understand the bit about the sun, but Injury Times has checked on Google and there are at least three Italian restaurants in Hull. They’re well rated too. NOT SO SLEEPY SMITHY
Aussie skipper Steve Smith has been battling with insomnia during his side’s tour of India so stopped in for some help ahead of the last Test in Dharamsala this week. “We rubbed our noses together and he gave me some blessings, so hopefully it’ll help me with my sleep over the next five days,” Smith said about meeting the Dalai Lama.