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ideas on how best to reposition South Africa s boxing.”
He said the intention of this exercise is basically to conclude a comprehensive review that looks at all areas where Boxing SA can improve to make it more a competitive, attractive and entertaining sport of choice.
Key among the areas which are being looked into is the area of repositioning Boxing South Africa s provincial and national titles,” said Lejaka.
Without necessarily pre-empting what may arise from this review process, the following are, however, some of the possible recommendations which may arise:
To reinstate the old order where a reigning champion had to defend his title three times before being eligible to keep the belt.
To redesign the provincial and national titles and make them a bit more aesthetically appealing and congruent to the true value they represent of national and provincial championship. actually stopped working before the Beijing world championships [last year], said Gelant, adding that he was now self-coaching. At first it was a bit difficult financially as you don t get monthly income but, by the grace of God, other stuff came along like sponsors.”
Building up to the Olympics, Gelant was in the best shape having overcome an injury-ravaged past.
He smashed Mokoka s 13:11.44 SA record by nearly seven seconds in a time of 13.04.88 at a meeting in Hengelo, Holland, just three months before the Rio Games.
Going to Hengelo, my confidence and shape was at another level. Even my preparations for the Olympics were spot on. I was just thinking of a medal. That s how good I felt,” said the runner from Pacaltsdorp.
Gelant, however, is still based in Potch. I m on my own at the moment, but I still go to coach Verster to seek some advice. Training-wise I m all alone on the track. Otherwise, I still need a group of runners [as training partners] to take me to another level while based there [in Potch].
I m now classified as one of the top runners in the world for being an Olympic finalist. It is just a great confidence booster.”