African Champs: South African athlete says ‘things have improved, last night’s food amazing’

South African athlete Marlie Viljoen has stated that conditions at the ongoing 2026 African Athletics Championships in Accra have improved significantly after early complaints about athlete welfare and event logistics.

Her comments come in the wake of criticism from her teammate Aiden Smith, who earlier raised concerns about food quality, rationing, and accommodation conditions during the opening days of the competition, which is being hosted at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

The controversy prompted South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, to issue a public statement indicating that alternative accommodation had been arranged for the athletes. However, the team reportedly opted to remain at the on-site University of Ghana hostel for the remainder of the championships.

Smith’s earlier remarks about limited food portions and logistical shortcomings sparked wider discussion about athlete welfare at the continental event, with early proceedings also affected by technical challenges affecting results reporting and event management systems.

According to reports, the first two days of the six-day championship were disrupted by technical issues, including delays in publishing race results, missing finish times, and non-functional competition schedules on the event website. Athletes and journalists were reportedly left waiting for updates long after events had concluded.

However, organisers appear to have made improvements mid-competition. By Thursday, result displays were being updated more efficiently, with times and rankings appearing shortly after events ended, restoring smoother flow to the championships.

Speaking after competing in the 400m final on Thursday, Viljoen said she had noticed clear improvements in conditions, particularly regarding food and general organisation.

“I don’t have a problem with it. It’s the same for everyone. I understand it’s not the best circumstances, but they have improved immensely over the last two days,” she said. “The food last night was amazing.”

She added that while conditions may not be ideal, they were consistent for all competitors, and athletes were adapting accordingly.

“You know, this is Africa. We’re all going through the same thing. The circumstances are the same for everyone. So, I just try to cancel that out and get to that start line,” she added.

The 2026 African Athletics Championships continues in Accra, with athletes competing across track and field events as organisers work to resolve earlier logistical and technical setbacks.