“Fit and healthy, cant wait for #Paris2024“ – Two days ago, Luxolo Adams posted an image of him mid-stride letting the world know that he will be making his way to the French capital. However, he did this amidst speculations of the ASA dropping him off the Paris-bound team. What could have brought this on? The National Champion has been nursing a hamstring issue, which could seem like a liability in terms of the upcoming Summer Olympics.

However, 2016 400m Olympic gold medalist Wayde van Niekerk will now reportedly be taking his spot in the 200m event. Merely weeks away from the Paris Olympics, Adams isn’t letting this go. He promptly shared his side of the story in a press release on Instagram yesterday. Adams strongly feels like he should rightfully represent his nation at the French capital, even in his own w0rds has laid down the foundation for it. But fans seemed to think otherwise.

While the speculation of Adams being out of the Olympic team has been put to rest for now, the 1-time Diamond League winner’s press release has added to the chaos. Track & Field Gazette posted his response on X, captioned “Luxolo Adams 🇿🇦 reacts to being dropped from the South African team for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 200m. He was informed he was being dropped via WhatsApp, citing a perceived “lack of readiness.”” His exclusion came as a surprise to the sprinter, and he wasn’t too pleased about the way it came about.

He starts out by stating that he wants to clear the air about him being dropped off the team. Adams then explains, “On 23rd August, 2023, I qualified for the Paris Olympic Games during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.” The sprinter may not have clinched a win, but he crossed the finishing line with 20.44 seconds on the clock. But in a twisted game of fate, in March this year, his hamstring started acting up. He clarified how, through prompt medical attention, he had a brief rehabilitation period from March to July. Throughout the process, he states that the ASA were given constant updates about his situation.

After getting clearance by his doctors, Adams decided to compete again. “On July 6th, 2024, I took part in a 200m race in Italy, running the distance in 21.50 seconds.” Not only is this a lot slower than his personal best of 19.82 seconds, but it also doesn’t quite fit the Olympic qualifying time for 200m. According to the World Athletics qualification system for the upcoming Summer Games, the entry standard time for men competing in the 200m is 20.16 seconds. Something the 27-year-old didn’t manage in his first race of the season.

However, the storm looming over his head refused to clear out. “Following this race, I was informed via WhatsApp that I would be withdrawn from the team due to an unsubstantiated “perceived lack of fitness” among other things.” Adams claimed to be appalled by the method they chose three weeks away from the 2024 Paris Olympics. He stated how the informal and distressing method showed a lack of respect, heavily affecting his mental health. The ASA’s decision still stands for now. According to Olympics.com, Wayde van Niekerk will not be competing in the men’s 400m, and will instead take Adams place.

The track and field community said ‘oui’ to Luxolo Adams’ exclusion

After Luxolo Adams confirmed being dropped by the ASA, fans swarmed to social media to voice their agreement. One fan said, “Let’s be reasonable here. What is 21.50 going to accomplish? The entry standard for the 200 is 20.16. The Olympics is supposed to be about the best of the best. Clearly there is a lack of fitness. The right call was made.” Many believe taking some more time off would be significantly wise for the sprinter. One fan simply asked, “21.5?” Apart from the time, this is also the only event Adams competed in. Both of these factors don’t work in his favor.

Another fan agreed, “I wanted to say this too 😭😭 If you’re running a 21.50 then you are definitely not ready for the Olympics 😭The women are even running just a bit faster than that.” Many would feel otherwise if the sprinter could shave off a considerable amount and finish in sub-20. One fan concluded, “Out of the 4 official races he ran last year, he only just made the qualifying standard at 20.15s and 20.16. His most recent race was very poor, high school kids run faster than 21.5s. Honestly, Wayde isn’t in great form either with his recent 20.29s. Imo, neither deserves to go.” While it seems unfair, most fans believe the ASA’s decision should stand.

Another fan chimed in, “💀 ngl I kind of see why they choose to bin him lmao but I also understand his pain.” Most athletes dream of representing their nation at the Paris Olympics, and this would have been Luxolo Adam’s first. And it doesn’t seem like he will be letting go of this dream any time soon. But with just 13 days to go, it’s highly unlikely things will sway in his favor. Do you agree with this outcome? Let us know in the comments!