Team SA suffers double blow on eve of World Indoor Championships
· The South African
South Africa will be represented by a six-man team at the World Indoor Championships 2026 scheduled for 20 to 22 March in Kujawy-Pomerania, Poland.
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The squad suffered two late setbacks ahead of the competition, with promising shot putter Miné de Klerk and teenage sprinter Karabo Letebele both ruled out.
De Klerk was unable to compete due to a delayed flight, while Letebele missed out after failing to secure a visa.
Disappointment
Acting Athletics South Africa (ASA) president John Mathane expressed disappointment but backed the remaining athletes to deliver.
“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,” he said.
South Africa have won 11 previous World Indoor Championships medals – four gold, four silver and three bronze.
Who’s in the team?
Middle-distance runner Luan Munnik will compete in the men’s 3 000m after producing a personal best of 7:38.35 in Liévin earlier this year.
In the men’s 60m hurdles, Franco le Roux and Mondray Barnard will represent South Africa.
Le Roux recently set a career best of 7.60 seconds in France, while Barnard, a World University Games bronze medallist, has run 7.66 this season.
Experience in the Field Events
The field events squad is led by experienced long jumper Luvo Manyonga, who won silver at the 2018 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham.
He will be joined by promising 19-year-old long jump prospect Temoso Masikane, with both athletes having jumped 8.11 metres this season.
In the men’s shot put, Aiden Smith – the reigning World University Games champion – will look to continue his strong form after surpassing 20.30 metres three times this year.
Team South Africa
The athletes competing for South Africa are:
- Luan Munnik (3 000m)
- Franco Le Roux (60m hurdles)
- Mondray Barnard (60m hurdles)
- Luvo Manyonga (long jump)
- Temoso Masikane (long jump)
- Aiden Smith (shot put)
Confidence despite challenges
Mathane said the original squad had been carefully selected to balance emerging talent with seasoned performers.
“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,” he said.
Eyes on the global stage
Despite the late withdrawals, South Africa will look to make its mark at the championships, with athletes aiming to deliver strong performances against a competitive international field.
The event continues over the weekend, with South Africans hoping to rise to the occasion on the indoor stage.