After producing some impressive performances on the track the day before, the South African team struggled to find their best form in field events on the third and final day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland on Sunday.

In the men’s shot put final, Aiden Smith settled for 15th position with a throw of 19.07m. Tom Walsh of New Zealand won his fourth world indoor title, securing the gold medal with a 21.82m heave.

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And in the men’s long jump final, 19-year-old Temoso Masikane took 16th place with a leap of 7.37m. Fellow South African and former outdoor world champion Luvo Manyonga did not achieve a mark. Portuguese athlete Gerson Baldé won gold with a best jump of 8.46m.

“This was a tough day in the office for our athletes,” said Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane. “Sometimes you win and sometimes you don’t. That is what competition is all about. Every competitor targets to do better than the other to reach the podium. Our athletes will now return to their respective bases, reflect and work on improving their performances.”

About Athletics South Africa:

Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics and the Confederation of African Athletics. The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg.