How SASCOC is supporting the success of South Africa’s relay teams

He explained that SASCOC is backing the teams through its Operation Excellence Programme (OPEX), which is designed to assist athletes with Olympic qualification potential and the ability to bring home medals from major international events. According to Hendricks, SASCOC has been organising training camps across the country for the relay teams since last year as part of its ongoing support. 

He says this is just the beginning of their partnership with ASA. 

"First and foremost, we support them through the Bidvest Operation Excellence Programme. The second is that we assisted them financially to host the relay camps, and this played a major role in building their confidence and boosting their synchronisation," said Hendricks.

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The former president of the Gauteng Sports Confederation told the national broadcaster that South Africa exceeded expectations in China and expressed his admiration for the performance of the four relay teams.

"To finish top in the World relays is an outstanding achievement. If you look at all those other countries that have this aura of invincibility, our team has proven that we can punch above our weight and knock the major nations off their pedestal," said the SASCOC president. 

Hendricks, who arrived limping at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night due to a squash-related injury, was there to welcome the victorious relay team that received a hero’s reception. 

He described this moment as just the beginning of their journey with Athletics South Africa (ASA). 

He also confirmed that SASCOC remains committed to supporting the team through the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo later this year, the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and into the future.

Hendricks understands that the recent success in China has raised expectations for the upcoming World Senior Championships in Tokyo later this year, as well as the 2028 Olympic Games in the USA.

After Team South Africa secured six medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris last year, the nation will be looking for an even stronger performance in Los Angeles.