OLYMPICS: LAST CHANCE FOR SA RELAY TEAMS TO SECURE QUALIFICATION
This weekend’s World Relay Championships in Nassau, Bahamas, serve as Team South Africa’s final chance to secure qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris in July and August.
The South African contingent will be vying for spots in three events — the 4x100m, 4x400m, and 4x400m mixed relay, where 14 teams will automatically qualify for the Olympic Games.
Ahead of their departure to the Bahamas, Athletics South Africa (ASA) organised a three-day training camp held at the high performance centre in Potchefstroom from April 27-30.
On Wednesday, a squad comprising 18 athletes — accompanied by coaches Paul Gorries and Geraldine Pillay — set off for the Bahamian capital, filled with anticipation and determination.
Benjamin Richardson, Akani Simbine, Clarence Munyai, Bayanda Walaza and Bradley NKoana are set to carry the weight of the nation’s aspirations in the 4x100m event.
Meanwhile, Lythe Pillay, Wayde Van Niekerk and Gardeo Isaacs form the core of the 4x400m relay team.
Joining them in the 4x400m and mixed relay are Tumisang Shezi, Mthi Mthimkulu, Antonio Nietjie and Wiaan Martin, bolstered by the talents of four female athletes — Shirley Nekhubui, Zeney Geldenhuys, Amy Naude and Rogail Josephs.
Simbine, a key member of the 4x100m relay team, expects the team to perform well in the Bahamas.
“The next race is The Bahamas in the World Relay, where we hope to qualify for the Olympic Games as a team. We’ve been having camps and talking exchanging of the baton and working on how we execute our races.
“We have a great squad to achieve our objective of winning a medal and securing qualification,” he told SABC Sport.
Shaun Maswanganyi, Benjamin Richardson, Clarence Munyai and Akani Simbine of South Africa in action in the men’s relay.
Zakhithi Nene, Pillay and Van Niekerk have all secured their spots in the individual 400m event for the Olympics.
However, Nene is determined to ensure that Team SA also competes in the 4x400m relay.
“We see the mixed relay as our chance to secure a medal and build a winning culture. Our federation has provided excellent preparation for the championships. And now, it’s about executing what we’ve learned,” Nene told the national broadcaster, stressing the collective effort needed to win the events.
Van Niekerk said although he has achieved all possible individual accolades, his current aspiration is to secure a team victory for South Africa.
“I’ve been training in the USA, and I’m hopeful our performance in the 4x400m event can bring joy to our country. We have athletes, who have promising careers ahead, I aim to not only reach the final but also clinch a medal with them,” said the world record holder in the 400m.