A 32-member preparation squad has been announced by Athletics South Africa (ASA) as the nation's top sprinters set their sights on repeating their dominance at the World Athletics Relays to be held in Gaborone, Botswana on 2-3 May.
At the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China last year, the SA team finished top of the overall table by earning three medals.
The men's 4x100m and 4x400m squads secured gold, while the women's 4x400m quartet grabbed bronze.
In order to help the athletes gear up to produce their best performances at this year's relay showpiece, ASA has included 19 men and 13 women in the preparation squad in the 4x100m and 4x400m events.
All athletes in the squad will be invited to training camps where they will prepare together with the national relay coaches.
SQUAD:
MEN:
4x100m: Shaun Maswanganyi, Gift Loetlela, Akani Simbine, Sinesipho Dambile, Bayanda Walaza, Karabo Letebele, Bradley Nkoana, Tsebo Matsoso, Retshidisitswe Mlenga, Abduraghmaan Karriem.
4x400m: Wayde van Niekerk, Lythe Pillay, Zakithi Nene, Gardeo Isaacs, Leendert Koekemoer, Udeme Okon, Tumisang Shezi, Mthi Mthimkulu, Antonie Matthys Nortje.
WOMEN:
4x100m: Hannah Hope Vermaak, Joviale Mbisha, Gabriella Marais, Chardone Smidt, Leonette Vosloo, Viwe Jingqi
4x400m: Shirley Nekhubui, Zeney van der Walt, Hannah van Niekerk, Miranda Coetzee, Marlie Viljoen, Tamzin Thomas, Precious Molepo.
