South African Athlete Criticises Conditions At African Athletics Championships In Accra

Aiden Smith has criticised conditions at the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships at the University of Ghana Stadium, describing the treatment of athletes as unacceptable despite the prestige of the continental competition.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, May 13, after winning gold in the shot put event on the opening day, the South African athlete expressed disappointment over the accommodation and facilities provided to competitors, saying he had anticipated much higher standards upon arrival in Accra.

According to Smith, athletes were housed in rooms with limited basic amenities and had to repeatedly request essential items that should ordinarily have been readily available.

“I expected a lot when we got here. When we got into the rooms, the beds were leather. We got sheets, we got a pillow, but no blankets. We don’t have an air conditioner remote. We had to go to the reception for an air conditioner remote,” he said.

He further alleged that some athletes experienced sanitation and water supply challenges at the accommodation facilities.

“There was no toilet paper; we had to go ask for toilet paper. There’s no warm water; the water is one temperature. The tap water doesn’t work. Some of my guys’ water doesn’t work in their rooms,” Smith stated.

The athlete also criticised food arrangements at the dining hall, claiming athletes were restricted in the quantity of food they could receive despite the intense physical demands of competition.

“We go there, we ask for food, and they fight with us. We’re not allowed to take more than one chicken bone. I told them we are athletes, we need to eat, we need to hydrate,” he added.

The comments come as Ghana hosts athletes from across the continent for the championship currently underway in Accra.