Athletics South Africa will be taking a large 47-member team to the World Athletics U20 Championships to be held in Cali, Colombia between 1-6 August, 2022.
Included in the strong squad are two athletes – Mine de Klerk and Benjamin Richardson – who will have the rare opportunity to earn medals at two editions of the World Athletics U20 Championships.
De Klerk, who won gold in the shot put and silver in the discus throw at last year’s junior showpiece in Nairobi, will compete in both events again in Cali.
Richardson, who earned 100m silver and led the SA 4x100m relay team to a gold medal and a world record in Nairobi, will turn out in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m events in Cali 22.
The SA team, which includes 25 men and 22 women, features some of the country’s most exciting young prospects in a range of track and field disciplines.
Among them are the likes of sprint sensations Viwe Jingqi and Precious Molepo, rising high jump star Brian Raats and 110m hurdler Emel Keyser.
The six-day World U20 Championships will be held at the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero.
Having finished sixth in the overall final standings at last year’s age group spectacle with nine medals (three gold, two silver and four bronze), the national squad will again be looking to make an impact against the world’s top junior athletes.
“We have tried to put together best team we could for Colombia. We are happy with the team which we believe is exciting.
“Congratulations to all selected athletes and trust they will ensure that our national anthem is sung the most throughout the championship.
