South African Athlete Criticizes Poor Treatment at 2026 African Athletics Championships in Ghana

South African shot‑putter Aiden Smith has criticised the conditions he experienced at the Africa Senior Athletics Championships, which are being staged at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Accra, according to Pulse Sports Kenya.

Smith, who captured the gold medal with a best throw of 20.01 m, said he was disappointed with the accommodation and basic amenities offered to athletes since arriving at the venue.

Egypt’s Mostafa Amr Ahmed took silver with a throw of 18.89 m, while Cameroon’s Billy Jospen Takougoum earned bronze after a 17.01 m effort.

Smith described the lodging as far below the standard he expected, noting that athletes were given only minimal bedding and had to repeatedly request items normally supplied in a hotel setting.

He added that essential comforts were missing or limited, such as blankets, and that toiletries were not readily available without asking.

Water supply was also problematic, with Smith saying it was inconsistent in quality and temperature and that some taps did not work.

“Well, I expected a lot when we got here. I expected a hotel at least. But when we got into the rooms, the beds were leather. We got sheets, we got a pillow, but no blanket. The aircon, we don’t have an aircon remote. We had to go request at the reception for the aircon remote,” Smith explained.

“You’re not allowed to keep your aircon remote. You set it, then you give it back. There was no toilet paper. We had to go ask for toilet paper. There’s no warm water. The water is at one temperature. There’s no… Oh, the tap water doesn’t work.”

Smith also criticised the food arrangements, describing them as restrictive and poorly managed.

He said athletes were often met with strict limits that made it difficult to obtain adequate portions, despite the physical demands of competition.

“Oh, and then the eating. We go there, we ask for food, and they fight with us. We’re not allowed to take more than one chicken bone. And I asked them, okay, listen, we are athletes, we need to eat, we need to hydrate, you know, we need to eat,” he added.

“And we asked them, and they said, ‘No, go.’ And then you’re not allowed to take chicken and fish. You’re only allowed to take a chicken, or you’re only allowed to take fish. And when I fight with them, like, listen, I need to eat. And then they’re like, okay, I’ll give you at least two.”

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“So, they just gave me two chickens. And then in the morning, they give me a half an egg or one egg. That’s it. At home, I’m always eating 20 eggs in the morning. 20 eggs on their own in the bulk. Off‑season now, in‑season now, I eat like 8 or 9 eggs. Now I’m only allowed one egg.”

Smith reiterated that the lack of basic comfort provisions affected rest and recovery during the stay, as fundamental facilities were not adequately provided.

He clarified that his criticism was aimed at the conditions rather than Ghana itself, expressing appreciation for the country and his intention to explore the area after his competition commitments were finished.

“And then when I was sleeping, I had no blanket. My old roommates and I all of us had no blankets. They said we have to bring our own blankets. So, I mean, for all African games champ, putting us in a hostel without blankets, without food, with warm water. We’re not allowed to. We’re not getting cold water. There are no fridges. Nothing. I expected a lot more. I love Ghana. Ghana is amazing. I’m going to explore it now the next week. My buddy, we’re finished now, so we’re going to explore it for the next week.”