By Razeen Gutta
Luxolo Adams will fight a legal battle against Athletics South Africa (ASA) after he was dropped from the national team for the 200-metre sprint at the Paris Olympics next month.
Adams was initially named to the team but was last week replaced by 400-metre world record holder Wayde van Niekerk in the 200-metre category.
While ASA claims that the decision was discussed with the athlete, Adams says he was “distressingly” informed via a WhatsApp message.
He added that he was “seeking urgent legal intervention” to reclaim his place in the team.
“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,” he said in a statement on social media.
According to a letter from ASA coordinator Hezekiel Sepeng, per The Citizen, the federation claims to have discussed the decision in a telephone meeting with Adams, his coach, and his agent.
Following a hamstring injury earlier this year, Adams was required to prove his fitness on 6 and 9 July. The letter adds that poor timings in the first event resulted in him pulling out of the second one.
“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.
“Instead, you should focus on your recovery and prepare for next season.”
Pictured above: Luxolo Adams.
Source: @sports_cornerza
