McKenzie insists SA sprinter Adams should be allowed to go to Olympics
Luxolo Adams was cut from the team last week to make way for another athlete despite meeting the criteria to qualify for the Olympics.
FILE: South Africa's Luxolo Adams looks on prior to the men's 200 metre event during the IAAF Wanda Diamond League athletics meeting at The Charlety Stadium in Paris on 18 June 2022. Picture: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is adamant that 200-metre sprinter Luxolo Adams should be allowed to go the Olympic Games beginning in 10 days.
Adams was cut from the team last week to make way for another athlete despite meeting the criteria to qualify for the Olympics.
McKenzie is expecting an official response from SASCOC and Athletics South Africa regarding Adams’ exclusion on Tuesday afternoon.
The Paris Olympics would be the first time that Adams competes at the world’s biggest sporting event.
And with 16 days until he turns 28, it could be his only chance to represent South Africa on the global stage in a sport that has a very narrow window of opportunity.
Adams has struggled with a hamstring injury over the last couple of months and was told via WhatsApp the he wouldn’t be going to Paris as his recent performances were below what was expected of him and that he should focus on his recovery.
McKenzie said that he respected the processes of the sports bodies but thought Adams deserved to go to Paris.
"I just feel if you have any young man that comes from the rural areas, that comes from the Flats, that has qualified legally, on a humanitarian basis, being humane, I think he should be allowed to go."
The minister has not divulged what the following steps will be, however, the athlete has indicated he would follow legal proceedings to compel his inclusion.