'We've got talent in South Africa' - Youngsters to shine ASA Awards

In celebration of the work done by athletes, their coaches and technical officials last season, Athletics South Africa will host their annual awards at Monte Casino on Saturday 25 January. 2024 was a season that saw a number of breakthrough performances from the country's future champions, many of whom are scarcely out of the junior ranks. 

The SA Team that did duty at teh 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Peru. The team included sprinter Viwe Jingqi (front and centre) who has been nominated in the SA Personality of Year category at the ASA Awards. Photo Credit: Lifutso Mabua.

Still a junior, Bayanda Walaza stole headlines by doing the sprint double at the World Athletics U20 championships and grabbing a silver medal as part of SA's 4x100m relay team which included another junior Bradley Nkoana who earned the bronze medal behind Walaza in the 100m at those World U20's in Peru. 21-year Benjamin Richardson defeated Wayde van Niekerk to the national 200m title, reached the Olympic 100m semi-final and became only the fourth South African to go sub 10 and 20 seconds over 100m and 200m. 21-year-old Lythe Pillay ran a personal best 44.31, also claimed a maiden SA senior 400m title and also reached the Olympic semi-final. 

At 22 years old, Edmund du Plessis defended his national 800m title, reached the Olympic semi-final and ran a career best 1:44.22 to move up to number four on the SA All-Time list. Also 22 years old is Prudence Sekgodišo who was the best performing female track athlete of the season thanks to her 1500m national title, two Diamond League victories and reaching her maiden Olympic 800m final.

Sekgodišo enjoyed a magical 2024 season which included victory in the 800m at the Marrakech Diamond League and an Olympic final. Photo Credit: Supplied.

All of these youngsters are expected to be on show alongside seasoned performers such as Akani Simbine, Elroy Gelant and Gerda Steyn at the awards. Reflecting on the 2024 season, ASA President James Moloi is encouraged by the wealth of youth and junior talent saying ASA will soon introduce a new monitoring system that will track these athletes who will form the core of the 2028 Olympic team.

"These young kids made us proud. I think it's the beginning of big things because these youngsters have shown us that we've got talent in South Africa. We are planning for Los Angeles 2028. We need more athletes. We want headaches when we have to select the squad."