Charles Baloyi

World under-20 400m champion Udeme Okon made a dream start to his debut at the National Senior Championships by cruising to victory in his men’s 400m heat 47.32.

South African women’s 100m champion Viwe Jingqi has confirmed to SABC Sport that she will not be able to defend her national title after suffering a hamstring injury.

World Under-20 100m and 200m champion Bayanda Walaza has expressed his disappointment over the absence of his idol, Akani Simbine, at the National Championships.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) president James Moloi says he’s eager to witness who will emerge as the new national 100m champion in the absence of Akani Simbine at the National Senior Championships starting today at the Puk McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom.

South African middle-distance star Tshepo Tshite is aiming for a historic 800m and 1500m double at the National Championships, which kicks off tomorrow at the Puk McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom and runs until Saturday.

KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) president Steve Mkasi has confirmed to SABC Sport that he will be contesting for the vice-president position on the Athletics South Africa (ASA) board next month.

South African long jump champion Cheswill Johnson has confirmed to SABC Sport that he will not be defending his national title this year, but instead turn his attention to the 100m sprint.

South Africa’s renowned middle-distance coach Samuel Sepeng is looking forward to the Athletics South Africa Senior Track and Field Championships.

South African 10km record holder Adriaan Wildschutt is not ruling out a podium finish at this year’s World Senior Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.