Bring focus back to the athletes

There is nothing like sporting success to lift the mood of a nation, just as there is little that leaves people more downhearted than abjectly poor performances on the fields, roads and tracks of the world.

We have had precious little to excite us in the national realm of athletics of late, which makes it easier to sympathise with all the cricket lovers out there.

I thought rather than continue with my own brand of what needs be done, it would be prudent to talk to some club runners/administrators on their thoughts as to why athletics is lacking the glamour and results of years past.

Alex Kambule has been chairman of Real Gijimas since the early 2000s, having joined then in 1989.

He says: “Unless there is a focus on the development of the athletes we will never again emulate those competitive yesteryear achievements.

“It should be about athletes from provincial level upwards, and not about personal egos”, the latter part of the comment being directed at administrators at all levels, but in particular provincial and national. Kambule is outspoken on relationships between clubs and provincial bodies. Rodwell Sims has been a competitive and provincial runner since school days, and he too has strong opinions.

His contention is that the remuneration of the top athletes is not up to standard.

“Top athletes are not paid liveable retainers,” he stresses.

He explains that for them to keep their retainers they have to run certain races.

“As a result they cannot always concentrate on what they need to do.”

He further decries the lack of support from ASA, comparing them to other sports bodies who do pay their top performers.

The days of the mining fraternity setting up virtually professional teams is also mentioned and Sims, who was a part of that system for a period, concludes: “They trained, ate and rested.”

A certain hallmark of success.

Old Mutual Athletic Club chair Thembela Makaula says the nurturing of athletes at the grass roots level, at schools and especially developmental clubs is essential.

“We have neglected that and it is evident in the squads being sent to national championships.”

Makaula suggests that the department of sport, recreation & culture and Border Athletics “have a huge influence and part to play in current and future prospects.”

He too says “what once was can become again”.

Siyabulela Dumezweni is a deep thinker in all things athletic, and says categorically: “ASA is failing athletes by cut-and paste-selection policies.

Athletes only know at the last hour if they are selected to a national team”.

“Poor administration in some provinces as well as numerous clubs also affects the ability of athletes to perform.”

And a favourite conclusion for many: “There is too much focus on ultra marathon running and not enough on development. It is a major concern.”

That is what some of the folk in the thick of competition have to say.

E-mail your thoughts to bob@boastrunningsuccess.co.za.