2019-06-10 15:51
Caster Semenya (Getty Images)
Cape Town – Caster Semenya has been named in Athletics South Africa (ASA)’s preliminary team for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha.
Three groups of athletes have been included as part of an extended preliminary team for the World Championships, which will be held from September 27 – October 6.
A total of 40 athletes who
have achieved the qualifying standards in their events have been
included in the provisional squad, and they have been split into two
groups, with 30 individuals who have met all the criteria and 10 others
who have not ticked all the boxes to guarantee their places in the final
team.
A third group of 13 athletes who are knocking on
the door of the qualifying standards in their disciplines have also been
named.
Semenya (800m), whose inclusion in the final team will
depend on the outcome of an appeal at the Swiss Supreme Court.
With
the preliminary team expected to increase in size as the international
season gains momentum, the squad is already packed with elite stars
including defending world champions Luvo Manyonga (long jump), Wayde van
Niekerk (400m) – whose participation will need to be approved by the
ASA board as he missed this year’s national championships.
Athletes will have until September 6 to achieve all the required criteria to be included in the final ASA team.
ASA
has appointed Hendrick Ramaala to oversee the preparation of the
national marathon team, with Paul Gorries retaining his place as the
squad’s relay coach.
“The process is ongoing, which means
that every other athlete still has an opportunity in the final team,”
said Aleck Skhosana, Athletics South Africa.
“We are all now focussing
in the preparation of our athletes and coaches for Doha.”
