SA relay team flies under the radar for world champs in Budapest

Paul Gorries gives a knowing chuckle when the inevitable question is asked: how does he rate South Africa's chances for a relay medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest?

With the world champs beginning on Saturday, the spotlight in the potential precious metals audit has shifted from usual suspects Wayde van Niekerk (400m) and Akani Simbine (100m) to the unsuspecting relay team. 

"Every year we go into the championships we’re optimistic about our chances," Gorries begins.

"Personally, I always want to medal. It's just about getting that message across to the athletes. We were on a good high in 2021 until the stupid situation with the doping and the guys took a knock and there was a little bit of negativity around the relay. 

"But we're there and thereabouts. I think we have the team and guys with capabilities of getting a medal - you [should] never go to a major championship not expecting to medal." 

The doping stupidity Gorries refers to was Thando Dlodlo testing positive for testosterone early last year, the sanction for that indiscretion stretching to the SA 4x100m relay team being stripped of a world relays gold medal they had snatched on the line from Brazil in Poland. 

The setback took the wind out of the relay movement's sails in that Athletics South Africa (ASA) had begun holding relay camps in a bid to capitalise on the one athletics event which relies on teamwork more than anything for success. 

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That said, there hasn't been much time to get together this time around.

"We haven't got together as much this year, but we have some time in Budapest. Because the 100m finishes on day two, we have an extra two or three