The first of the eight-member South African group of athletes have safely arrived in Poland for the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships to be held from 20-22 March in Kujawy Pomorze.
Luan Munnik, Franco Leroux, Mondray Barnard, Aiden Smith and Tracey Oliver - the team Manager, arrived on Wednesday, after departing South Africa the previous day.
The team, however, will now be without women's national record holder and African Championships' silver medallist, Miné de Klerk (shot put), and 19-year-old USA-based sprinter Karabo Letebele, who was going to contest the men's 60m sprint. A delayed flight for USA-based Miné, has forced her to withdraw from the championship because her event is on day one. Letebele was not granted a visa.
The long jump pair of Temoso Masikane and Luvo Manyonga - the silver medallist at the 2018 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham, depart respectively from USA and Johannesburg on Thursday night and will both arrive in Poland on Friday. They have both leapt 8.11 metres this season.
"It's unfortunate that Miné and Karabo will not be taking part. We believe they were going to give a good account of themselves in the competition. But all is not lost and we trust in the athletes that have made it there.
"What is beyond us, is really what it is. Our team was initially structured along the mix of a talented youth and experience. We wish our athletes all the best and we know South Africa will be behind them as always," said acting president, John Mathane.
FINAL TEAM:
Luan Munnik (men) 3000m, Franco Le Roux (men) 60mH, Mondray Barnard (men) 60mH, Luvo Manyonga (men) Long Jump, Temoso Masikane (men) Long Jump, Aiden Smith (men) Shot Put.