Semenya named in South African World Champs team

Caster Semenya has been named in Athletics South Africa’s preliminary team for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha.
Three groups of athletes had been included as part of an extended preliminary team for the World Championships, which would be held from September 27 to October 6.
A total of 40 athletes, who had achieved the qualifying standards in their events had been included in the provisional squad, and they had been split into two groups, with 30 individuals, who had met all the criteria and 10 others who have not ticked all the boxes to guarantee their places in the final team.
A third group of 13 athletes who are knocking on the door of the qualifying standards in their disciplines had also been named.
Semenya’s (800m) inclusion in the final team will depend on the outcome of an appeal at the Swiss Supreme Court.
With the preliminary team expected to increase in size as the international season gains momentum, the squad is already packed with elite stars, including defending world champions Luvo Manyonga (long jump), Wayde van Niekerk (400m) – whose participation will need to be approved by the ASA board as he missed this year’s national championships.
Athletes will have until September 6 to achieve all the required criteria to be included in the final ASA team.
ASA has appointed Hendrick Ramaala to oversee the preparation of the national marathon team, with Paul Gorries retaining his place as the squad’s relay coach.
“The process is ongoing, which means that every other athlete still has an opportunity in the final team,” said Aleck Skhosana, Athletics South Africa.
“We are all now focussing in the preparation of our athletes and coaches for Doha.”