A total of three University of Johannesburg (UJ) students and two UJ Club athletics members will represent South Africa at the Rio 2016 Olympics from 5 to 25 August. More club members and alumni will represent South Africa in other Olympic and Paralympic sports.
UJ athletics manager, Roger Haitengi said that it takes years of practice to qualify for the Olympics and for athletes to keep their bodies healthy, they usually have to train from Monday to Saturday and some even twice a day.
The students are aged from 22 to 24 years old. Lynique Prinsloo, who is a South African champion, will participate in the long jump event, Anél Oosthuizen is a South African record holder, and will compete in race walking. Ruswahl Samaai, is the current South African long jump champion, and will also compete in long jump. The UJ Club athletics members are Alyssa Conley, who will take part in 100m and 200m sprints and Khotso Mokoena, who is the bronze African champion, and will compete in the triple jump event.
Haitengi said he encourages the students to have a balance between studies and sports. “It is important that they have something to fall back on, in case of injury,” he said.
He added that the athletes are mentally and physically ready to perform to the best of their abilities. Furthermore, the athletes are used to travelling and adapting to different countries and cultures. “We expect great performances as they represent the country. It is a proud moment for all of us,” he added.
Haitengi said that the team doctor has been briefed on the threat of the Zika virus in Brazil and they have taken the necessary precautions.
“We are hoping that they will come back with positive energy to inspire other students, and of course some medals will be a cherry on top,” he laughed.
Other students and members of the UJ Club to represent the country in Rio in the Olympics and Paralympics:
Football
UJ alumni:
• Amanda Dlamini
• Simone Conley
Rowing
UJ alumni:
• Kirsten McCann
• Kate Christowitz
• Micheen Thorwncroft
• Peter Lambert
Para-rowing
UJ student:
• Dieter Rosslee
UJ Club members:
• Dylan Trollope
• Willie Morgan
• Shannon Murray
• Lucy Perold
• Sandra Khumalo.
