Track athletes across the country have been recognised for their achievements this year, receiving accolades at provincial award ceremonies.

Middle-distance runner Tshepo Tshite was named Sportsman of the Year at the North West Sports Awards.

In a breakthrough season over the 1 500m distance, Tshite won the SA title in March and went on to set a personal best of 3:32.68 at a meeting in France in June, and he went on to narrowly miss out on a place in the final at the World Athletics Championships in August.

He also formed part of the national team that finished fourth in the mixed relay at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst in February.

At the Gauteng Sports Awards, 23 year-old athlete Zeney van der Walt was unveiled as the Sportswoman of the Year.

Van der Walt won the national 400m hurdles title in Potchefstroom before reaching the semi-finals in the 400m and 400m hurdles events at the World Athletics Championships.

In addition, she set a career best of 50.81 in the flat 400m in Tshwane in April.

Also receiving recognition, one-lap sprinter Zakithi Nene was named Personality of the Year at the KZN Sports Awards.

Nene won a Diamond League race in Stockholm, equalled his 400m personal best of 44.74 at a meeting in Poland and reached the semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships.

"Congratulations to all achieving athletes for their recognition," said James Moloi the President of Athletics South Africa. "It is a culmination of their hard work throughout the year.

"We also congratulate all nominees and note that all these efforts also serve as inspiration to all other athletes in their respective fields."

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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. 

ENDS