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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.
The Central Gauteng Athletics star, who has dominated the sandpit with back-to-back national victories, has decided to relinquish his crown at the Athletics South Africa National Championships from 24-27 April at Puk McArthur Stadium.
Johnson believes his future lies on the track rather than in the sand.
"The thing is, I kind of want to talk to my coach and, it's a weird thing but I feel like I should run the 100m because I want to conserve myself for the World Championships later on this year," said Johnson.
"I mean, I've won the [long-jump] title back-to-back in two years straight now, so I feel like I've done it enough, but I don't think that I shouldn't do it, I'm just trying to plan ahead because September is very far and I don't want to put too much jumps in.
"Before this, I had an injury on my ankle, so it was something I've been struggling with for years, so I don't want to aggravate anything by jumping too much, and then it starts flaring up.
"Because last year I was in very good shape leading up to the SA champs and everything, and as soon as I got to Europe, I got injured. So I've told myself, 'Less jumps and you'll be fine.'"
The 2024 Paris Olympian refutes suggestions he is turning his back on long-jump, but argues he is eager to challenge himself in other events with stiffer competition.
"History can judge me, but I'm a competitive person. I'm going to the 100m, where it's harder for me to win something, so I don't see it as I'm dishonouring anything," he defended.
"I'm going where it's tougher – I could just stay there [in long-jump] and win everything every year, but at the same time, I operate in a sport where I know I'll be pushed more, but at the same time my plan is my plan.
"If I have to chase legacies and fall behind on world championships, it's not going to matter in the end."
