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South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) Athletes Commission chairperson and High-Performance chairperson Khotso Mokoena has expressed his excitement ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The Games are scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland from 23 July to 2 August, with SASCOC expected to send a small but competitive team later this year. Athletics and swimming are once again tipped to deliver medals for Team SA, as the Games will also form part of the country’s long-term preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Mokoena believes the Commonwealth Games remain a valuable platform for athletes to test themselves at a high level, even with some major global powers not in attendance, and stressed the overall importance of the event on the international calendar.
"I think for Team South Africa it's always an exciting time, even for myself. For the High-Performance Commission of SASCOC, these Games are very vital, as they allow us to see exactly how we are faring towards the 2028 Olympic Games, although not all the countries are competing at the Commonwealth Games," said Mokoena
The South African athletics legend, who remains the only local athlete to have won an Olympic medal in the long jump after claiming silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in China, reflected on his fond memories of the Commonwealth Games.
Mokoena told the national broadcaster that the event played a significant role in his career, where he managed to secure multiple medals over the years.
Now approaching his 41st birthday on 6 March, Mokoena has transitioned seamlessly from life in the sandpit to administration, where he continues to serve the sport at the highest level.
The former long jump star regularly attends global championships in an official capacity and is expected to be part of the South African delegation in Glasgow, this time wearing a different hat at the Games.
"I am loving this role. I think it has also opened my eyes in terms of how I can help the national Federation, and it has allowed my talent to be recognised as an Olympian who actually took the time to step in and try and help the athletes.I am very excited about that."
