Athletics South Africa today convened a three-day National Coaches Symposium at Curro Hazeldean, Tshwane under the theme Maintaining Peak Performance.

Opening the much anticipated symposium, ASA President James Moloi said, much is on the shoulders of the coaches ahead of the World Athletics U20 Championships on 26 - 31 August 2024 in Lima, Peru and the 2024 Olympics Games on 1-11 August in Paris, France.

He was addressing 83 participants drawn from coaches with athletes in provincial or national teams over the past 6 years in the age group 15 years and older, plus coaches with athletes ranked on the ASA National Top 10 Youth, Junior and Senior Ranking Lists over the past 6 years. Those attending also had to have a minimum of ASA Level 2 coaches’ qualification and were approved by their respective ASA provinces. After the symposium, the participating coaches are expected
to transfer skills to their colleagues in the provinces during ASA Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses in line with the strategic plan.

“We are all haunted by the overall performance of the senior national team at the recent World Athletics Championships in Budapest,” said Moloi. “As a national association we understand the individual achievements at that Championship. We also understand the value of an athlete who is ranked in the top 40 or top 20 or top 10 in the world. We further understand what it means being the eighth best in the world in your events. 

“But unfortunately, the rest of the country doesn't see it that way. To the nation we represent, we are measured us against medals. When there are no medals, it is considered a failure. That's the collective burden I’m referring to in the sport of our choice. But the show goes on. 
“You have to push yourselves beyond your limits firstly for yourselves, because South Africa is known and respected for producing world class competitors and world class coaches. We need more of you and your athletes at the Diamond League, the Continental Tour and other one-day enriching competitions. When you reach world performance you automatically attract sponsorships.” 

Moloi encouraged coaches not to undermine themselves saying they have full capabilities to be amongst the best, if not the best. He reminded the coaches that together with their athletes, they are walking in the footsteps of big achievers who brought back gold, silver and bronze medals as everyone looks towards challenges the 2023 international season brings.  

“Go out there and make us all proud. We believe in you. We trust that over the next three days we will together come up with a better approach and a fantastic way forward.” 

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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.

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