Javelin thrower Jo-Ane van Dyk and experienced sprinter Akani Simbine were the big winners on Saturday night, receiving two accolades each at the Athletics South Africa Awards.
Simbine was named Male Athlete of the Year and Male Track Athlete of the Year at the annual gala function held at Montecasino in Fourways, receiving deserved recognition after anchoring the SA relay team to the silver medal at last year’s Paris Olympics and finishing fourth in the 100m final in a new national record of 9.82 seconds.
Van Dyk was unveiled as the Female Athlete of the Year and the Female Field Athlete of the Year after enjoying a breakthrough season which saw her securing the silver medal in her specialist discipline at the Paris Games.
One-lap hurdler Rogail Joseph was named Female Track Athlete of the Year after winning gold at the African Games and the African Championships, and discus thrower Victor Hogan received the award for Male Field Athlete of the Year.
Middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso received the popular vote, with the public selecting her as the Personality of the Year after a breakthrough season which saw her winning two Diamond League races and reaching the Olympic 800m final.
Full list of award winners
Male Athlete of the Year – Akani Simbine (100m/4x100m)
Female Athlete of the Year – Jo-Ane van Dyk (javelin throw)
Personality of the Year – Prudence Sekgodiso (800m)
Male Track Athlete of the Year – Akani Simbine (100m/4x100m)
Female Track Athlete of the Year – Rogail Joseph (400m hurdles)
Male Field Athlete of the Year – Victor Hogan (discus throw)
Female Field Athlete of the Year – Jo-Ane van Dyk (javelin throw)
Outside Stadium Male Athlete of the Year – Elroy Gelant (marathon)
Outside Stadium Female Athlete of the Year – Glenrose Xaba (10km/marathon)
Junior Male of the Year – Bayanda Walaza (100m/200m/4x100m)
Junior Female of the Year – Hannah van Niekerk (400m hurdles)
Male Prospect of the Year – Matodzi Ndou (110m hurdles)
Female Prospect of the Year – Tumi Ramokgopa (400m hurdles)
Male Athlete of the Year with a Disability – Mpumelelo Mhlongo (100m/200m)
Female Athlete of the Year with a Disability – Simone Kruger (discus throw)
Male Coach of the Year – Terseus Liebenberg (javelin throw)
Female Coach of the Year – Violet Semenya (long distances)
Male Technical Official of the Year – Qhumalukile Mvelase
Female Technical Official of the Year – Kedibone Baloyi
Province of the Year – Eastern Province Athletics
SuperSport Moment of the Year – SA men’s 4x100m relay team securing Olympic silver
* Featured image of Jo-Ane van Dyk by Cecilia van Bers
