McKenzie questions sprinter Adams' exclusion from SA Olympic squad

JOHANNESBURG - Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has weighed in on the controversial decision to exclude 200-meter sprinter, Luxolo Adams, from South Africa's Olympic team.

Adams was informed of the decision last week despite meeting the standard to qualify for the games in Paris.

Minister McKenzie has asked the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and Athletics South Africa (ASA) to explain the reasons behind Adams' sudden exclusion.

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Adams was looking forward to competing at his first Olympic Games after he met the criteria to qualify for the Olympics in 2023. But he’s struggled with a hamstring injury in the months leading up to the Games.

The athlete posted a statement online saying that he was informed via WhatsApp that he wouldn't be on the plane to Paris due to a loss of form, while his place on the team for the 200m event would go to 400m world record holder, Wayde van Niekerk, instead.

Adams has indicated that he would be taking the matter to court, but it's unclear what his chances are, as SASCOC has not been compelled to take all qualified athletes at previous Olympics.

McKenzie said that they were still awaiting a response from the sports governing bodies.