The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has released the list of 26 athletes who will be representing the nation at the World Para Athletics Championships taking place in Paris, France, from 8 to 17 July.
On the list of athletes is Louzanne Coetzee, a well-known Bloemfontein local. The 30-year-old, who competes in the T11 class for visually impaired runners, holds the African record for her silver-medal winning run in the women’s 1500 meters at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and is included in the South African team for the same event at the World Para Championships.
These championships will play a crucial role in the lives of South African athletes hoping to secure spots in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, with athletes finishing in the top 4 of their respective events guaranteed to qualify in one of the coveted slots.
The full list of athletes is a mixture of youth and experience, as the country hopes to continue its proven track record of producing exceptional para-athletes. Other well-known athletes who form part of the team include; Zanele Situ (javelin), Liezel Gouws (track), Ndodomzi Ntutu (track), Mpumelelo Mhlongo (long jump), Tyrone Pillay (shot put), and Pieter du Preez (paratriathlon).
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
