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Athletics
South Africa (ASA) President, Aleck Skhosana has expressed his excitement about
the performance of Wayde van Niekerk and Luvo Manyonga at the RIO Olympics.
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Van Niekerk
smashed the 19-year old world record in 400 which was previously held United
States of America's (USA), Michael Johnson at the Olympic stadium yesterday.
According to
Van Niekerk, the preparations were the reason for the victory.
“I ran blind
the whole race, I still don’t know what happened out there but it was just so
awesome to be here and inspired by guys like Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson, and
tonight guys who I ran against like Kirani James and LaShawn Merritt.
In long
Jump, Manyonga snatched the silver medal to anchor the athletics performance.
Speaking
shortly after the duo performances, Skhosana said the best is yet to come from
both athletes.
"What
we have seen here is an outstanding performance that will be on Athletics
conversation for many years to come. Wayde proved today that he is in a class
of his own," Skhosana said.
He said the
Manyonga’s silver medal took them by surprise and has put “the cat among
pigeons” as South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC)
attempts to dominate the IAAF World Championships in London next year.
“As ASA we
congratulate him for taking on the big giants in the long jump and come just
1cm short of the gold medal. His attitude dedication and discipline coupled
with focus has taken him to where he is today,” Skhosana added.
Manyonga's
story is one that can be told forever. In 2010, a 19-year old Manyonga won the
gold medal in IAAF Junior World championship. In 2012 Manyonga’s life was
nearly damaged when he began using drugs. In March Manyonga was cleared a
world-leading and personal best distance of 8.30m, and that alone was enough to
secure qualification to the Olympics.
The South
African Olympics team is three medal shy of the 10 medal target set by SASCOC
President Gideon Sam.
Speaking
before the team’s departure in July, Sam said the team sent to the Olympics
have every chance of reaching the 10 medal tally of 1920 and 1952 Olympics.
“We have
given the squad a task of ensuring that they return with 10 medals at the
games. Anything above that would be a huge achievement for the country and the
federation,” Sam said.
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