From Caster to Akani: the usual suspects to shine in Potch

After a month of anticipation, the National Championships are finally here. Here are the stars to look out for this weekend.

Akani Simbine has constantly stated how excited he is to run in Potch. Little wonder, he’s the fastest man on the planet in 2017. Photo: Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images.

With a number of spectacular performances lifting the status of South African athletics over the last couple of years, the country’s elite stars will flaunt their talent in front of their home crowd this weekend.

From Friday, they turn out at on of the most anticipated national championships in recent memory.

Also read: It’s all about form, not medals for Cornel Fredericks

Here are five athletes to watch at the ASA Senior Championships in Potchefstroom.

Akani Simbine

After dipping under 10 seconds (9.92) and 20 seconds (19.95) this year, the Olympic 100m finalist has been tipped as the favourite to lift the 100m and 200m crowns against world-class line-ups

Wayde van Niekerk

Better known for his exploits over the 400m distance, an event in which he holds the world record, Van Niekerk will focus on the 100m and 200m events.

Holding career bests of 9.98 and 19.94, he will be confident of causing a double upset

Luvo Manyonga

Having burst back onto the track and field scene last season, Luvo Manyonga set a national long jump record of 8.62m last month, and the Olympic silver medallist will hope to inch closer to the world record (8.95m) on home soil

Caster Semenya

After winning a historic 400m, 800m and 1 500m treble last year, the Olympic two-lap champion will focus on the 400m and 800m events this weekend.

She’ll be the firm favourite to defend both titles.

Sunette Viljoen

South Africa’s most consistent woman athlete over the last decade, Viljoen has already launched the javelin 62.82m this year, and the Olympic silver medallist should have no trouble defending her SA title.

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