The well-known athletics author, Dewald Steyn, recently showcased a new and exciting chapter in South African athletics history with the unveiling of the fifth volume of his book, “History of South African Cross-Country, Middle and Long-Distance Running and Walking in Potchefstroom” on Friday, 29 July.

The event, which was hosted at the NWU-Pukke Athletics Club, attracted a number of former middle- and long-distance athletes who feature in Steyn’s extensive volumes that cover over 100 years of cherished and valuable history.

“It took four years to complete this set of volumes and a lot of research was put into this. A vast number of former athletes and their memorabilia  also helped me in the compilation of  these volumes.

It is really important to preserve the history,” said Steyn.

According to him, there are some very interesting facts, profiles, stats and much more on some of South Africa’s biggest middle-, long-distance, walking and cross-country athletes.

“There are current athletes who don’t even know who legends like Fanie van Zyl or De Villiers Lamprecht are. Van Zyl was almost unbeatable in his time and was an amazing strategist and one of the best middle-distance athletes this country has ever seen.”

Steyn’s newest volumes cover 2004-2014 and have some fantastic pictures and stats – something the true collector will appreciate. It is truly a rarity to own one of these volumes.

Prices range from R1 380 for the entire volume (1-5) and are also sold separately. For enquiries and/or orders, contact Steyn at dewalds@wordonline.co.za or 082 442 1860.

See all the photos of the event here: https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/19852/historic-book-captures-a-part-of-sas-athletics-history/