Athletics SA claim Luxolo Adams had not only been informed of their decision to leave the athlete out of the Paris Olympics sprint team, but that he had accepted it before he made his controversial statement on social media.
Adams was a casualty in the men’s 200m squad after Wayde van Niekerk opted out of the 400m to focus on the 200m instead.
It meant there was no place for Adams, even though he had run a faster qualifying time than the 400m world record-holder Van Niekerk.
The Citizen reports in a letter from ASA coordinator Hezekiel Sepeng to Adams, the sports body had indeed discussed the issue with the athlete and that he had accepted the decision.
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Hamstring problem
Though Adams was faster in qualifying than Van Niekerk, he has been battling with a hamstring injury over the last couple months. It meant the time of 21.50 he ran at a meeting in Italy on July 6 was used as the basis for ASA’s decision.
“All parties agreed that the performance on 6 July was a poor result and indicated that you are not ready for the Olympic Games, and your coach indicated that you were in your fourth week of rehabilitation,” Sepeng wrote to Adams.
“Instead, you should focus on your recovery and prepare for next season.
“During the group call you were given the opportunity to express your feelings about the decision,” Sepeng told Adams, “and you agreed with it.”
After the decision was made public, Adams wrote: “This decision has been incredibly disheartening, especially considering the journey I have undertaken and the mental and physical challenges I have faced,” Adams said.
“This decision came just three weeks before the Olympic Games and was communicated to me through an informal and distressing method, showing a lack of respect, professionalism, consistency, and lack of consideration for my mental health.
Adams went on to say he was considering legal action against ASA. This prompted Sports, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie to become involved in the matter.