New athletics event to bolster South African athletes

Athletics South Africa (ASA) has launched a new athletics event in which prize incentives will be offered to athletes for outstanding performances.

The ASA Athletix Grand Prix Series will feature three Grand Prix meetings in March, one month prior to the Commonwealth Games in Australia. This announcement was made at a press briefing on 6 December at the Sandton Sun.

“We are excited to announce the series which we believe restores our domestic track and field season right back on top where it was about a decade ago,” said Aleck Skhosana, president of ASA.

“These meetings will be explosive, entertaining and of the highest standard and is the ideal opportunity for our athletes to put in those final touches before heading off to Australia and to other international destinations to represent this country in the best possible shape.”

With this series, South Africa’s track and field stars will have the opportunity to hone their skills in a competitive environment as part of their global preparations. Johannesburg will play host to the first of these on 1 March next year, before heading to Tshwane on 8 March and finally making a stop in Paarl on 22 March.

South African 100m track sensation, Akani Simbine, who had a brilliant domestic and international season last year – dipping under 10 seconds five times – is expected to continue his duel with Thando Roto, who also dipped below 10 seconds.

Wayde van Niekerk, 400m world champion, 800m queen Caster Semenya, and long jump revelation Luvo Manyonga are also expected to be the highlight of the 2018 season. The series will also be used to select athletes for the national team.

Tell us if the new innovation in South African athletics will do enough to keep the sport alive by posting your comments on our Facebook page.

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