University Athletes Head to Pta for USSA Track and Field Champs

(The Post News)– University athletes from across South Africa will descend on Pretoria from 1 to 3 May for the 2025 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Track and Field Championships, hosted at Pilditch Stadium.

A highlight on the university sports calendar, the three-day meet offers student-athletes the chance to test themselves against the country’s best. With the next Olympic cycle underway, the event is viewed as a preview of South Africa’s future athletic stars.

Over the years, the USSA Championships have helped launch the careers of global icons like Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine. Recently, Edmund du Plessis and Bayanda Walaza—members of South Africa’s silver medal-winning 4x100m relay team in Paris—have continued this tradition. Jo-Ane Van Dyk, fresh off a medal-winning Olympic campaign, also traces her roots to USSA, reinforcing the platform’s role in shaping elite athletes.

This year’s event holds added weight, with national selectors on the lookout ahead of the FISU World University Games in July and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. For many competitors, it’s more than just a university meet—it’s a stepping stone to the international stage.

Spectators can expect a full slate of track and field events, including sprints, long-distance races, jumps, throws, and multi-events like the decathlon and heptathlon. USSA Track and Field remains a vital arena where talent is nurtured and dreams are forged. The public and media are encouraged to attend and support South Africa’s rising stars.