ATHLETIC NEWS - Athletics was the big winner on Sunday night, with Track and Field athletes dominating the stage at the SA Sports Awards held in Johannesburg.
With the country's top sports stars being recognised for their achievements this year at an awards gala at Emperors Palace, long jumper Luvo Manyonga, middle-distance runner Caster Semenya and sprinter Sokwakhana Zazini, Paralympic sprinters Dyan Buis and Ilse Hayes, stole the show.
Jean Verster, who coaches Semenya, was named Coach of the Year in recognition for his hard work this season, while Ansie Botha, who coaches Wayde van Niekerk, received the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Award.
Ruswahl Samaai, who has the second best jump in the world for 2017, received the Sports Minister’s Excellence Award.
Manyonga, who won the world title and set an African record of 8.65m, was named Sports Star of the Year and Sportsman of the Year.
"Today I'm smiling as a world champion, undefeated this season. I'm a living example that it is possible, irrespective of your background, to achieve your dreams and I'm proud of that," Manyonga said.
"I thank the Almighty for everything he is doing for me, and I thank my country for recognising me."
Semenya, who earned 800m gold at the IAAF World Championships and 1 500m bronze, respectively and also set a 600m world best, received the Sportswoman of the Year and People's Choice awards.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the South African people for the support they have given me," Semenya said. "They went all out to vote for me and I really appreciate your support. Thank you!"
Paralympic sprinters Dyan Buis and Ilse Hayes received the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability awards. Youth Hurdles prodigy Zazini, who received the Newcomer of the Year accolade.
Aleck Skhosana was beside himself with excitement, noting that athletics has now entrenched itself as a leading contributor to South African sports as a recognizable and reliable brand.
"This is really wonderfull!” he said. “Athletics is moving forward and our athletes and coaches have taken their rightfull positions to lead the process.
