Gelant and Maswanganyi the last to join SA team in Tokyo

Final preparations for the South African team are now well underway, as the national squad gears up for the World Athletics Championships starting in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday.

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The last six members of the SA team departed from OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday, ensuring all 49 athletes in the squad were either already in Tokyo or on their way to the Japanese capital, three days before the start of the showpiece.

Among the last group of athletes to leave was US-based sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi. A former Olympic semifinalist, Maswanganyi said he had fully recovered from injuries he picked up earlier this year, and though he didn't qualify for the final squad in either the 100m or 200m sprints he was hoping to form part of a strong national men's 4x100m relay team who were targeting a medal.

"I've started shaping up towards the end of the season, and it was a bit unfortunate that I wasn't able to qualify in my individual events," said Maswanganyi, who lives in Texas. "But I can definitely still get into the relay team. I believe in my abilities to run all the legs of the relay, and I have the experience, so we're going to wait and see."

With the entire team having left SA shores, Athletics South Africa President James Moloi, wished the squad well as they aim to secure the nation's first medal at the World Athletics Championships since 2017.

"Well done to all athletes who have qualified to represent the Rainbow Nation at the World Athletics Championships, which is one of the most prestigious events in our sport," Moloi said. "We are expecting some fine performances from the more experienced athletes in the team, and we are confident of returning home with some medals.

"We also see the value in providing opportunities to some of the younger members of the squad to gain experience at this level, and even spring surprises. Overall, we are pleased to have a good blend of youth and experience in the team. We wish all our athletes well as they fly the SA flag in Tokyo."

The 2025 World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo between 13-21 September.