South Africa 4x400m relay team earns Sports Awards nomination

The South African men's 4x400m relay team has received a nomination for a national sports award. They are listed alongside the Golf RSA Eisenhower team and the Proteas men's Test cricket side in a competitive category.

This recognition follows a period of significant success for the squad. The team secured a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which ended a nine-year medal drought for South Africa in this specific event. They also earned a silver medal at the World Relay Championships held in Botswana earlier this year.

Former 800m Olympic silver medallist Heimir Sepeng noted that the nomination is a deserved result of the athletes' dedication. He stated that the relay project has had a major impact and that the recognition was expected given the current momentum of the relay teams.

Sepeng explained that the success is rooted in a deliberate effort by Athletics South Africa to improve relay culture. Previously, technical errors during baton exchanges often prevented the country from winning medals. To address this, Sepeng and former ASA president Aleck Skosana helped establish a relay project focused on technical preparation, teamwork, and planning.

This structured approach has turned the relay squad into a primary medal prospect for South Africa at the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, and World Championships. The winners of the upcoming awards will be announced in Sun City on Sunday, 23 August.