Athletics South Africa (ASA) has announced a National Preparation Squad for the 2022 season.
The squad includes 58 male and 18 female athletes.
The men’s contingent is spearheaded by star sprinters Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine, long jumper Ruswahl Samaai and marathon runner Stephen Mokoka.
The women’s squad features former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya, 400m hurdler Wenda Nel, long-distance runner Gerda Steyn, and evergreen javelin star Sunette Viljoen.
Semenya features on the list although she is currently restricted from competing in races from 400m to the mile at international level.
“Firstly, the board of ASA congratulates you for being named in the National Preparation Squad. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Your individual progress paves the way for your future successes and serves as an inspiration for other aspiring athletes. We are confident that by announcing the squad this early, it will make all athletes even hungrier to succeed,” said ASA president, James Moloi, in a statement.
ASA added that the athletes and their coaches will be invited to attend an Elite Athletes and Coaches’ meeting in Kempton Park on Saturday, January 22.
“This meeting will give athletes and coaches an opportunity to address the national federation and gain a better understanding of ASA’s plans in the build-up to the 2022 season, which includes the World Athletics Championships in Eugene and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,” concluded ASA.
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