The President of Athletics South Africa, James Moloi and his Board, gave an ambassadorial send-off to the Austria-bound national team that left this afternoon for the 2023 edition of the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.

Speaking at the OR Tambo Garden Court Hotel in Isando, shortly before the team departed for their flight, Moloi told the athletes of his excitement of the team’s participation at the championships.

“Let me begin by thanking the Austrian ambassador to South Africa Her Excellency Romana Konigsbrun for gracing us at this send-off of this national team of 21 people made of athletes and officials.

“Without putting pressure on you athletes, I call upon you to note that the Under 20 team that we sent to Zambia in April for the CAA African U18 & U20 Track and Field Championships came back victorious winning the African title. They took position one out of 54 countries.

“So one would like to encourage you that if those kids could perform like that you might be also be able to do it there, but don’t kill yourself out there. If you win it will be a bonus for us but we note that this is our first time going there, so we are open-minded with the end results. This doesn’t remove your mandate to bring honour to South Africa.

“We want you to know that ASA is fully behind you throughout and we trust that next time we hope that will have a bigger team participating at this global championship.”

In response Ambassador Konigsbrun, who was accompanied by her husband, expressed her appreciation for being invited to be part for the inter-action with team as they prepared to fly out.

“I’m also excited because you are going to Innsbruck-Stubai which my part of the country where I come from. Please enjoy the beautifull scenery that we offer in Austria and I hope that within your schedule you will find a day to explore our country and enjoy it. I wish you a pleasant stay and competition throughout your time in Austria,” said Her Excellency.

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About Athletics South Africa:

Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and  the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg.