South African athlete Aiden Smith has criticised conditions at the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships at the University of Ghana Stadium, describing the treatment of athletes as unacceptable despite the prestige of the continental competition.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, May 13, after winning gold in the shot put event on the opening day, Smith expressed disappointment over the accommodation and facilities provided to athletes, saying he had expected far better standards upon arrival in Accra.
According to him, athletes were housed in rooms with limited basic amenities and had to repeatedly request items that were usually readily available.
“I expected a lot when we got here. When we got into the rooms, the beds were leather. We got sheets, we got a pillow, but no blankets. We don’t have an air conditioner remote. We had to go to the reception for an air conditioner remote. You’re not allowed to keep your aircon remote; you set it, and then you give it back,” he said.
Smith also raised concerns about sanitary conditions at the accommodation facilities, alleging that some athletes had no running water in their rooms while others struggled to access basic necessities such as toilet paper.
“There was no toilet paper; we had to go ask for toilet paper. There’s no warm water; the water is one temperature. The tap water doesn’t work. Some of my guys water doesn’t work in their rooms,” he stated.
The South African athlete further criticised food arrangements at the dining hall, claiming athletes were being denied adequate portions despite the intense physical demands of competition.
He said attempts to explain the nutritional needs of athletes were often met with resistance from officials managing meal distribution.
“We go there, we ask for food, and they fight with us. We’re not allowed to take more than one chicken bone. I told them we are athletes, we need to eat, we need to hydrate. At home, I eat eight or nine eggs in season, but here I’m only allowed one egg,” he added.
