Political interference is a common phenomenon in South African sport, but according to Noakes, modern-day professional sport relies so heavily on science that one cannot afford to let side shows hamper progress.
“At the end of the year we are going to find it extremely hard to beat Britain at rugby, because of the mind shift they have undergone. - Prof. Tim Noakes
“Politics has no place in sport. You cannot select people for who they are or who they are not.
“Given the direction in which professional sport is moving, it's only a matter of time before this intellectual level becomes an institution in every sport.”
Noakes says that in future, South African participants will fare even more badly than they did in Beijing this year if they don't wake up. The South African Olympic team were a huge disappointment, managing to win only one silver medal.
“We've been going downhill since 1992 and the way we're hobbling along now, we may win only one medal again next time, or even return empty-handed," says Noakes.
“How much lower do we have to sink before someone will accept responsibility for our performances and devise an effective plan? As yet, no one like that seems to have stepped up to the plate.
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clipped from www.sport24.co.za
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