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For Immediate Release 16 April 2019

BABOLOKI, SIMBINE, VILJOEN, NEL, HERUNGA, BOTLOGESTWE TO HEADLINE ATHLETICS GRAND PRIX 2

The second leg of the Athletics Grand Prix series at Potchefstroom’s Kenneth McArthur Athletics Stadium has attracted an array of elite international athletes on Wednesday night (tomorrow).

All eyes will be on the likes of Commonwealth Games 100m gold medallist and national record holder, Akani Simbine when speedsters headline a world-class field in the men's 200m where it’s expected to go down to the wire.

Simbine, who anchored the SA 4x100m relay team to victory at the ASA Grand Prix series opener in Mangaung last week, will line up in his first individual race of the year at Potchefstroom.

Holding a 200m Personal Best (PB) of 19.95, he will face the likes of in-form compatriot Chederick van Wyk, Sibusiso “Swazi Bolt” Matsenjwa of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and Zimbabweans Tatenda Tsumba and Ngoni Makusha, who have all previously run under 20.50.

Elsewhere on the track, middle-distance sensation Tshepo Tshite will spearhead the men's 800m field. Tshite, who set a PB of 1:44.69 to win the Athletics Gauteng North provincial title in Tshwane last month, will toe the line against experienced countryman Rynardt van Rensburg and 20-year- old prospect, Theuns Ehlers.

Foreign athletes, meanwhile, are expected to dominate the men's and women's 400m events. The women's one-lap race features African Championships bronze medallist Christine Botlogetswe and Galefele Moroko of Botswana, as well as bronze medallist Tjipekapora Herunga of Namibia, who are expected to face challenges from local hurdles specialists Wenda Nel and Zeney van der Walt.

The men's 400m battle will pit African champion Baboloki Thebe of Botswana, local favourites Pieter Conradie and versatile 20-year-old athlete Thando Dlodlo.

Board Members Aleck SKHOSANA (President) Dr Harold ADAMS (Vice President) Jakes JACOBS (Chair Cross Country) James MOLOI (Chair Road Running) Pieter LOURENS (Chair Track & Field) Dorah MNGWEVU (Chair Athletes) Ntathu GWADISO (Additional) Motlatsi KEIKABILE (Additional) Esther MALEMA (Additional) Shireen NOBLE (Additional) Jazz MNYENGEZA (USSA Rep) William MOKATSANYANE (SASA Rep) Honorary Members: Mervyn KING Mluleki GEORGE

In the field events, Olympic silver medallist Sunette Viljoen will turn out as favourite in the women's javelin throw. Her strongest opposition is expected to be provided by African Championships silver medallist Jo-Ane van Dyk and Latvian athlete, Gundega Griva.

In the men's , African champion Victor Hogan is up against former world youth champion Werner Visser, while in the triple jump, national record holder Khotso Mokoena will meet local rival Menzi Mthembu and former African Championships bronze medallist Roger Haitengi of Namibia.

In the build-up to the IAAF World Relays in Yokohama next month, local and international relay teams from Zimbabwe, Kingdom of Eswatini and Lesotho will also square off in 4x400m races in search of qualifying times, with the SA quartets expected to steal the spotlight.

Other countries which have entered their athletes to contest the individual categories include Botswana, and Mauritius.

The programme for the second leg of the ASA Grand Prix series will start at 5.10pm and the final race will be held at 8.35pm.

EVENT INFORMATION:

Date: Wednesday, 17 April 2019 Venue: Kenneth McArthur Athletics Stadium Time: 17:10 (starts) / 20:35 (ends) Entry Fee: R30 (Main pavilion) R30 (varsity scholars and students) Ticket  At the Stadium Gate Point:  Available only on the day Parking: Free Event: Athletics Grand Prix Series, Leg 2

 Competition website: www.asagp.co.za and will be updated to host team lists, and programme. Draws will be available from Tuesday evening.

 Please take note: The President, Aleck Skhosana and Vice-President, Dr Harold Adams will be out of the country from 12 - 21 April 2019. In their absence, James Moloi, is Acting President.

Ends

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