A full-strength South African team left in high spirits on Monday for the World Athletics Championships to be held in Budapest, Hungary between 19-27 August 2023.

While some athletes in the final 36-member Athletics South Africa (ASA) squad, who are based overseas, had already arrived in Budapest ahead of the nine-day track and field showpiece, the majority of the team departed on two flights from OR Tambo International.

They were joined by a full management and support team, including coaches, managers and medical experts.

"We are very pleased with the team management for these championships. Over the years these individuals have been known to us as significant contributors to the sport," said ASA vice-president Shireen Noble, who travelled with the squad.

"The athletes are also in top form and we are hoping not to come back with less than five medals."

Another ASA board member, Jean Verster  - whon is rhe chairperson of Track and Field, also left with the squad as the official team leader.

With a strong squad which features multiple medal contenders, Verster was confident they could improve on the SA team''s performances at the last two editions of the World Championships, where they were unable to step on the podium.

"Obviously it's a building process and as a team we're growing, so I think our focus for this championship is improvement and progression," Verster said.

"We're giving athletes opportunities, and all the athletes in the team are healthy, so we're very hopeful, but there's no pressure, as long as we improve.

"We've got to get more athletes into finals, and for the youngsters we are going with we've got to get them through the rounds so they can get that experience."

The SA team will arrive in Budapest on Tuesday, giving them three full days to acclimatise and prepare ahead of the World Athletics Championships starting on Saturday.

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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 the World Athletics and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg.

ENDS