Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1999

Thesis Director

M. Thomas Woodall

Abstract

While some sports in South Africa have a distinct racial identity, distance running is one of the most popular sports in the country for people of all ethnic backgrounds. This study examined the issues that South African distance runners faced from the time the country was banned from Olympic competition, in 1968, to the present day. It profiled 21 male and female elite and collegiate runners who have competed in the United States from 1980 to 1999.

Because of South Africa's apartheid government, which legalized racial segregation and inequality, South African sport was excluded from international competition for 32 years. The nation's athletes could only compete within the country, and their achievements were not to be recognized by any sport federation outside of the country. Despite these odds, many distance runners found ways to compete against the best in the world.

In 1992, when apartheid rule ended, South African membership was widely accepted into international sport federations. While runners are now allowed to compete anywhere in the world, they face a new set of challenges living in a newly democratic society.

This paper provides a history of South African sport and distance running from the late 1960's to present-day. It then introduces specific South African runners who competed internationally during and after the boycott. Their diverse stories and opinions on issues of running in South Africa are discussed. The study also offers the knowledge and insight of South African coaches, agents, journalists, scholars, and administrators who have credible experience in dealing with the vastly complicated web of South African distance running.

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