Enraged athletes slam �disorganised� BAA
Koketso Kgoboge | Wednesday May 17, 2017 08:52
Athletes involved in field events felt they were neglected as the BAA focused on track events. Enraged high jumper, Kabelo Kgosiemang said athletes had to fend for themselves and set up high jump equipment, after they discovered the initial BAA arrangement did not meet IAAF standards.
He said they were not given the schedule and were called to get ready for their session at 10am, but only started their event at 4pm.
Kgosiemang said the ordeal was disheartening because he had to halt his trip to Europe as he was ordered to compete in the National Championships.
“I have put a lot in training for the championships and all my hard work goes down the drain because an individual decides to turn it into a circus of some sort,” he fumed.
“These people are never serious. I could have qualified today. I jumped 2.15m, which is close to the 2.29 and I could have beaten the mark if I was not demoralised from the onset.
“I was upset by what transpired. It was always going to be difficult after having to warm up three times for a jump. This is ridiculous by the BAA officials.”
Boleng Bolokwe, a coach and spotter for Sebabatso Senwelo, a shot-put thrower was irate for what he termed unprofessional behaviour by the BAA. He said the association had not prepared for the shot-put.
“Imagine we prepared a full eight months to try and qualify for the international event and we are told we will go throw our shot-put in the dirt that does not meet the IAAF standards and their reasons were that the shot-put will damage the turf.”
“We were kept waiting for seven straight hours and ultimately called at the last minute in the evening. We were told that arrangements for using the pitch are being discussed and we should return on Sunday. We also want to represent the country and this negativity can’t develop an athlete.”
Another long and triple jump athlete who chose to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation shared similar sentiments.
“We started late and I had to cancel triple jump and focus on the long jump because we were neglected and I ran out of time to recover properly for another event.”
“I came here to try and qualify for the championships and there was lack of equipment and we were on the side for over two hours after warming up and that is demoralising to say the least. I am disappointed with the BAA.”
BAA spokesperson, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba who admitted outright to their shortfalls, said they have recorded the cries of the athletes and they will be addressed after the event evaluation.
“I have heard a number of complaints raised by the athletes and we admit we were under-staffed for this championships. We will evaluate and what happened should never happen again in any of our competitions. We will ensure that.”