SASCOC boss heads to LA on mission for Team SA’s Olympic success

With the countdown already ticking, Fleisher is set to jet off to the United States to assess world-class training facilities that could give Team SA the edge on the global stage.

Having played a key role in preparations for the Paris Olympics, the seasoned administrator is once again taking a proactive approach — determined to secure the best possible environment for South Africa’s elite athletes. 

From athletics tracks to high-performance centres, nothing will be left to chance as he engages with various sporting federations to identify ideal pre-Games training bases.

"I'm travelling to LA in April to go look at possible pre-Games training venues in LA, but swimming have already said they don't want to be in LA, they want to be at altitude so they would look for something else. I still need to speak to other sports to hear what they are looking at."

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Fleisher also weighed in on a major shake-up to the Olympic schedule, with athletics set to open the Games in Los Angeles — a historic first — while swimming will take centre stage later.

The change, driven by organisers and the International Olympic Committee, signals a fresh twist to the traditional programme and could reshape how nations plan their campaigns.

"LA requested the change because swimming is their main event so swimming will be the second event for the first time ever, they are also going to provide the biggest stadium for swimming - they are putting in a temporary swimming pool in a stadium so it's going to be the biggest crowd ever for swimming at an Olympic Games."

As a former Team SA chef de mission, Fleisher believes the spotlight will quickly shift — and with it, the pressure.

If the athletics squad delivers early fireworks, the baton of expectation will be firmly handed over to the swimmers to keep the momentum alive in the pool.

A self-confessed basketball enthusiast, Fleisher also highlighted SASCOC’s continued investment in athletics — including funding the recent national relay camp hosted at the University of Johannesburg.

Should South Africa’s relay teams secure qualification for the Games, further financial backing will be rolled out as part of a long-term plan to build medal-contending squads.