Athletics Free State President Suspended Over Sexual Assault Conviction

Athletics Free State (AFS) president Steven Swarts has been suspended by Athletics South Africa (ASA) pending a disciplinary inquiry into his past sexual assault conviction and its impact on the sport’s reputation.

Swarts, the stepfather and coach of world 400m record-holder Wayde van Niekerk, was convicted in 2020 for sexually assaulting a female athlete he was coaching in 2018. He was sentenced to five years in prison, suspended for the same period. Despite this, he was elected AFS president in late 2023.

ASA announced the suspension on Saturday, stating that Swarts’ continued leadership had “brought the federation into disrepute.” The decision follows growing pressure from AFS members, some of whom were suspended when they attempted to pass a vote of no confidence against him.

Swarts initially denied the conviction during his election campaign, claiming it was an extortion attempt. However, ASA revealed that AFS members were “misled about the gravity of the offence and its outcome.”

Leonard Jingose, AFS vice-president, will assume the role of acting president until disciplinary proceedings conclude or fresh elections are held. ASA acknowledged delays in addressing the issue but emphasized that consultations with AFS factions were necessary before taking action.

Swarts’ wife, Odessa, who is also a board member, has not commented publicly on the suspension.