The penultimate day of the World Athletics Championships saw Team SA Olympic silver medallists Jo-Ane du Plessis and the strong Team SA relay squads in action in Tokyo.
Du Plessis finished fourth in the final with a best throw of 63.06m.
Handed a lifeline
Meanwhile, South Africa’s men’s 4x100m relay team were handed a lifeline after failing to finish their heat due to a collision with Italy during the first baton change.
Following a successful appeal, the referee granted the quartet an additional chance to qualify for the final in a solo time trial scheduled for 03:33 (SA time) on Sunday morning.
If the quartet of Shaun Maswanganyi, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine post a time of 38.34 or faster, they will secure the ninth place in the final scheduled for 14:20 (SA time).
The line-up and running order must remain the same as in the original race. The decision does not affect the eight teams that have already qualified.
In a forgettable championship to date, Team South Africa is yet to win a medal.
SATURDAY ACTION
Men’s 4x400m, heats: South Africa (Gardeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer and Lythe Pilay) won their heat in 2:58.81 to qualify for the final as fourth fastest.
Women’s 4x400m, heats: South Africa (Shirley Nekhubui, Marlie Viljoen, Hannah van Niekerk and Zeney van der Walt)) finished 7th in their heat in 3:28.14 and missed out on a place in the final
Women’s shot put, qualification: Mine de Klerk achieved a distance of 17.39m which left her outside of the final in 24th place overall, while Ashley Erasmus (30th with 16.90m) and Colette Uys (32nd with 16.68m) also didn’t progress to the final
Women’s javelin, FINAL: Jo-Ane du Plessis finished 4th with a best throw of 63.06m
