Athletics received 17 nominations in various categories on Monday for the 2016 SA Sport Awards.
Olympic gold medallists Wayde van Niekerk and Caster Semenya were each named among the finalists for three accolades, with both athletes in line for the Sport Star of the Year and People’s Choice gongs.
Van Niekerk, the world 400m record holder, was also named among the nominees for Sportsman of the Year, while Semenya was up for Sportswoman of the Year.
Seven para-athletes received nominations following their podium performances at the Rio Paralympics.
Charl du Toit, Dyan Buis and Reinhardt Hamman were announced among the finalists for Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, while Ilse Hayes, Zanele Situ and Anrune Liebenberg were revealed as the nominees for Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability.
Double amputee sprint prodigy Ntando Mahlangu was listed among the nominees for Newcomer of the Year.
Three coaches were also recognised for guiding some of the country’s top athletes, with Ans Botha, Jean Verster and Suzanne Ferreira nominated for Coach of the Year, while Athletics South Africa was confirmed as a a finalist for Federation of the Year.
There were no nominations for two Olympic silver medallists, however, with long jumper Luvo Manyonga and javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen not getting the nod from the adjudication panel in any categories.
The award winners will be announced at a gala function in Bloemfontein on November 27.