South African Star Blasts Poor Treatment at African Championships After Shot Put Gold: 'I Had No Blanket'

Aiden Smith has spoken out about what he described as poor treatment at the ongoing Africa Senior Athletics Championships held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Accra.

The South African athlete, who recently won the shot-put title with a winning throw of 20.01m, appeared dissatisfied despite his gold-medal success, pointing to issues with his experience since arriving at the competition venue.

Egypt’s Mostafa Amr Ahmed claimed silver with a best effort of 18.89m, while Cameroon’s Billy Jospen Takougoum secured bronze after recording 17.01m.

Aiden Smith expressed disappointment over the living conditions provided during the continental event, saying he had anticipated a more standard level of accommodation and basic amenities upon arrival.

He explained that, instead of the expected hotel comforts, athletes were met with very limited facilities and had to repeatedly request essential items that are normally provided as standard.

The South African added that several basic comforts were missing or restricted, noting that bedding arrangements were minimal, and everyday necessities such as toiletries were not readily available without asking.

He also highlighted issues with water supply, describing it as inconsistent in quality and temperature, with some facilities not functioning properly, which made the overall stay more challenging than expected.

“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,” Aiden Smith revealed.

“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.”

Aiden Smith also raised concerns about the food arrangements at the event, describing the dining situation as highly restrictive and poorly managed.

He said that when athletes try to access meals, they are often met with strict limitations that make it difficult to get adequate portions, despite the physical demands of competition.

He added that efforts to explain the nutritional needs of athletes are not well-received and that staff enforced very rigid rules around food selection and quantity.

“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.

“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.”

Aiden Smith further described the accommodation conditions as lacking basic comfort provisions, stating that athletes were not supplied with essential bedding and had to manage without items that are typically expected in organised sporting accommodation.

He suggested that these limitations affected rest and recovery during their stay, as even fundamental facilities and amenities were reportedly not adequately provided.

Aiden Smith went on to contrast his frustrations with his personal feelings toward the host country, clarifying that his criticism was directed at the conditions experienced rather than Ghana itself.

He expressed appreciation for the country and mentioned that he still intended to spend time exploring the area once his competition commitments were complete.

“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,” he added.

“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.”