Caster Semenya and javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen were SA's top performers in the opening leg of the IAAF Diamond League in Doha, Qatar, on Friday.
Semenya won the 800m race in 1:58.26 while Viljoen launched a 65.14m heave with her first attempt.
"This series forms the pinnacle of the international track and field circuit, outside of major championships, and to have two winners at the first meeting of the year is a fantastic achievement," said Athletics SA president Aleck Skhosana.
"This gives an indication of the performances we expect in the build-up to the national team's campaign at the Rio Olympics [in August]."
Victor Hogan finished third in the discus throw final with a 65.59m effort. Wenda Nel ended fourth in the 400m hurdles in 55.18 seconds, Antonio Alkana was eighth (110m hurdles) in 13.50 and Dumisane Hlaselo finished ninth in the 1500m race in 3:36.65 on his Diamond League debut.
The SA men's 4x400m relay team, attempting to qualify for the Rio Games, suffered a setback in Doha due to a injury to Thapelo Phora. As a result, the team failed to finish the race.
l SA's team also struggled at the IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships in Rome on Saturday. Rio-bound Lebogang Shange's 57th-placed finish, in 1:24:53, proved the best of the trio that finished 20th overall in the team competition in the 20km.
Caster, Viljoen shine on big stage
Caster Semenya and javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen were SA's top performers in the opening leg of the IAAF Diamond League in Doha, Qatar, on Friday.
Semenya won the 800m race in 1:58.26 while Viljoen launched a 65.14m heave with her first attempt.
"This series forms the pinnacle of the international track and field circuit, outside of major championships, and to have two winners at the first meeting of the year is a fantastic achievement," said Athletics SA president Aleck Skhosana.
"This gives an indication of the performances we expect in the build-up to the national team's campaign at the Rio Olympics [in August]."
Victor Hogan finished third in the discus throw final with a 65.59m effort. Wenda Nel ended fourth in the 400m hurdles in 55.18 seconds, Antonio Alkana was eighth (110m hurdles) in 13.50 and Dumisane Hlaselo finished ninth in the 1500m race in 3:36.65 on his Diamond League debut.
The SA men's 4x400m relay team, attempting to qualify for the Rio Games, suffered a setback in Doha due to a injury to Thapelo Phora. As a result, the team failed to finish the race.
l SA's team also struggled at the IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships in Rome on Saturday. Rio-bound Lebogang Shange's 57th-placed finish, in 1:24:53, proved the best of the trio that finished 20th overall in the team competition in the 20km.
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