Over the past few weeks, many people have shared their views on the challenges facing South African athletics. Some are frustrated. Some are angry. Some have lost confidence in the structures that are supposed to serve the sport.

Having spent more than 45 years in athletics, I understand those frustrations. I have seen the highs and lows of our sport. I have worked with athletes, coaches, officials and administrators at club, provincial, national and international level. Through all of those experiences, one thing has remained clear to me:

Athletics must always be bigger than individuals, positions and personal interests. If we are serious about rebuilding trust and moving forward, there are five areas that deserve our immediate attention.

 

One of the questions I constantly ask myself is simple:

How does this decision help athletes? If we cannot answer that question, then we need to reconsider the decision.

The purpose of every structure, programme, policy and leadership position should be to create opportunities for athletes to develop and succeed.

Too often, discussions focus on personalities, politics and positions. In my opinion, the athlete should always remain at the centre of the conversation.

 

Trust cannot be demanded. It must be earned. People need to know that those entrusted with leadership positions are accountable for their actions and decisions.

Good governance is not about ticking boxes. It is about creating confidence that decisions are being made in the best interests of the sport and that leaders are answerable for the responsibilities they have accepted.

 

Throughout my involvement in athletics, I have always believed that success is built from the ground up.

Strong clubs produce strong athletes.

Strong coaches produce strong athletes.

Strong provinces contribute to a strong national federation.

If we neglect our clubs, coaches and local structures, we weaken the foundation upon which future success depends.

 

South African athletics cannot depend on the same people forever.

We need to identify, mentor and develop the next generation of coaches, officials and administrators.

One of the greatest satisfactions in my own career has been seeing athletes and coaches develop and grow beyond expectations.

Leadership should leave the sport stronger than it found it.

 

South African athletics has many passionate people with different views and perspectives. That is healthy. What is not healthy is allowing those differences to become divisions.

We may not always agree on every issue, but surely we can agree that athletics should be athlete-centred, well-governed, transparent and focused on development.

The future of our sport depends on finding common ground and working together towards shared goals.

 

When I look back on my own journey in athletics, I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunities the sport has given me.

Athletics has allowed me to serve as an athlete, coach, administrator, team manager and programme leader. It has introduced me to remarkable people and taught me lessons that extend far beyond the track and field.

That is why I remain optimistic.

South Africa has talented athletes.

South Africa has dedicated coaches.

South Africa has passionate volunteers.

South Africa has enormous potential.

The challenge before us is not whether the talent exists. It does.

The challenge is whether we can create structures, leadership and an environment that allow that talent to flourish.

That is a responsibility all of us who care about athletics share.

The future of South African athletics is worth fighting for, worth protecting and worth building together.