Newly crowned SA champion Gift Leotlela pulls up in 200m heats
Champion yesterday, out today! Newly crowned South African 100m champion Gift Leotlela pulled up in the 200m heats at the national showpiece in Potchefstroom on Friday morning.
The 26-year-old overcame years of injuries to claim the first senior title of his career, winning the 100m on Thursday afternoon in a 9.99sec burst of speed that earned him a qualifying time for the world championships in Tokyo in September.
Less than 18 hours later, however, Leotlela pulled up coming off the bend, dropping to the track and bowing his head.
He immediately underwent a massage on his left leg and later admitted he had felt something go. But there was no noticeable limp as he walked out the stadium, heading off to get a diagnosis.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Lessons from the field — how sports can inspire South Africa's government
The shroud of inequality in race, education, employment, location, wealth, etc, etc, will continue to smother South Africa, unless the government and so many politicians of influence shed their egotistical craving for another term in office, wealth and self-importance. When will they learn? When will the government follow the extraordinary example of the Springbok rugby and Protea cricket teams? Rugby and cricket are proof that we can have an integrated society (a Rainbow Nation) in South Africa. South Africa are world champions in two major TEAM SPORTS. SA rugby in the heady days of our new democracy grew through the extraordinary leadership of Francois Pienaar, Morne du Plessis and Kitch Christie through to the incredible leadership of Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi, with so many others in support. This is more than sport; it is a movement that can be celebrated, but more importantly, followed to the letter. Temba Bavuma and Shukri Conrad have now taken cricket to the same level of importance, with different leadership styles yet the same qualities. Cricket took a longer route, having to navigate the disastrous Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal. The South African government and officials must openly and judiciously navigate their corruption scandals and the Zondo Commission. Without open and ruthless justice, this country cannot move forward. Fortunately for Cricket SA, Sean Pollock picked up the pieces, post-Hansie, with dignity, grace and commitment and put us back on track. The government of national unity (GNU) MUST do the same. Team sports require discipline, sacrifice, collaboration, learnt skills, teamwork, communication, leadership and resilience. These sports foster social relationships, boost self-esteem and improve mental health. Furthermore, athletes develop important qualities like respect, accountability and a strong work ethic. Can the GNU government and coalitions understand that, as the national teams play for their country and every person, so should they? Our political leaders need to shed their so-called importance of position or party and release South Africa to all its glory. The people of South Africa are crying out for this, and we can play our part. DM
The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
'Coaches make it seem like I'm 38'
Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau feels he still has a lot to offer and has criticised those who have written him off. The 31-year-old winger has not been at his best for nearly two years. His poor form at the national team forced Hugo Broos to drop him for the first time last year. He made his return to Bafana Bafana earlier this year but struggled to find the back of the net. Speaking to Robert Marawa last week, Percy Tau felt he still had a lot to contribute to the national team. 'I still feel that I can contribute to the country; yes, there are performances that put doubts or questions but that does not make you a bad player at all, and it does not change who I am,' he told 94.7′ s MSW . 'My name will never change; I'm still Percy, and I'll always try and give my best.' 'Yes, there are players that are doing well, but then do you only want to have the younger ones only in the national team and take all the other ones? 'Football is a sport where there are phases, you'll have your lows, you'll have your highs, but then do we kick him out when he's having his lows?' Tau continued. 'I don't feel that should be the approach because we are going to have a problem with what it means to play for the national team. 'And we don't want that to happen to anyone where they are now starting to feel different about going to the national team, like you only support me when I'm doing well. 'I feel that it should always be balanced. You want to have the younger ones, and you want to have the older ones, and by the way, I'm still 31 years old, the coaches make it seem like I'm 38,' said the Bafana star. Percy Tau left Al Ahly earlier this year to play in Qatar, but only lasted four months. The former Mamelodi Sundowns star is now a free agent and expressed his desire to return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
14 hours ago
- The South African
'I'd wake up at 2am to play for Bafana'– Kaizer Chiefs midfielder
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has indicated that he would do anything possible to represent Bafana Bafana. The 28-year-old has made a few appearances for the national team but has not been in Hugo Broos' plans for years. He was recently called to the Bafana Bafana's COSAFA Cup squad but withdrew due to injury. Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer after parting ways with the Russian side, Fakel Voronezh in January. He has been one of the club's good signings this past season, stamping his authority in the midfield. The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder expressed his desire to get back into the Bafana Bafana setup. 'Any opportunity I'm given to represent the country, I'd wake up even at 2 AM to play for the nation. But it's just that I've been struggling with an injury,' Cele said as per FARPost . 'I do watch Bafana games because it's football and I support the national team. I want to be part of that. When we grow up as young boys, we have dreams of representing the country. 'So, this is something I've been fighting for even with the Under-20s and U-23s. Even the soldiers, when they go to fight, wear a South African badge. So we want to be part of that,' Cele said. With positions at Bafana Bafana heavily contested, it would be tough for the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder to break through. Under Nabi, Cele has excelled and might get a call-up if Amakhosi improves next season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
