Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has promised that athlete Luxolo Adams will go to the Olympics, even though he was dropped from Team South Africa in favour of Wayde van Niekerk.
Adams, who had qualified for the Olympics, has threatened to sue Athletics South Africa (ASA).
McKenzie said it was unfair to leave out Adams, who comes from a village and worked hard to qualify.
“I talked to the leaders of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and ASA. They must not discourage young people. Luxolo deserves to go because he qualified. He inspires many young people in his village and province,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie said that if “super fans” can be taken to international events, then deserving athletes like Adams should go.
“We have taken many super fans. Why can’t we take super athletes like him? I can’t promise he will compete, but I will make sure he goes. If I have to, I will find a way to make room for him because I don’t want to crush the spirit of a young man who qualified,” he added.
McKenzie expects great results from Team South Africa at the Paris Games.
“I expect many gold medals. The Olympic and Paralympic teams are motivated, and I will be there to motivate them even more.”
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Luxolo Adams.
Source: World Athletics/X
