Olympic Gold medalist, Caster Semenya and fellow ACNW star, Sunette Viljoen are two local athletes that will represent South Africa at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London from 4-13 August.

ASA (Athletics South Africa) announced Semenya and Viljoen  as part of a 22-member preliminary team today.

The squad includes all four of the country’s Track and Field medallists at last year’s Rio Olympic Games in Brazil, with 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk, Long Jump athlete Luvo Manyonga, 800m runner Caster Semenya and Javelin Throw’s Sunette Viljoen spearheading the team in the 16th edition of the World Championships.

They will be joined by a number of other medal contenders, including in-form sprinter Akani Simbine, Long Jump’s Ruswahl Samaai and Antonio Alkana 110m Hurdles.

Athletes who have not been included in the squad will have until the end of the qualifying window of 23 July to achieve the ASA A-standard in their respective disciplines to book themselves a place in the final team.

“This is the time for athletes who are still searching for a qualifier to show their mettle. Work harder and don’t give up. There is still a chance for anybody who want to represent the Rainbow Nation at this global premier event,” said Aleck Skhosana, the President of ASA.