Share

Former Athletics SA head dies

Johannesburg - Erstwhile Athletics South Africa (ASA) chief executive Frederick 'Frik' Vermaak has died, the athletics governing body has confirmed.

Vermaak, 56, died on Monday after spending some time in the intensive care unit at a Bloemfontein hospital. He suffered organ failure.

Vermaak - who served as ASA chief executive between December 2011 and October 2012 - was at the South African Junior Championships held at the Free State capital last week to cheer on his son Pierre, 17, who is the South African junior 10km race walk champion.

Vermaak junior is in the team that will represent the country at the African Youth Championships in Mauritius this weekend.

"On behalf of ASA, we would like to convey our condolences to Frik’s family, friends, coaches and the administrators," ASA president Aleck Skhosana told City Press.

'Frik', as he is known in athletics circles, was a larger-than-life character both literally and figuratively.

A chartered marketer by profession, Vermaak was involved in the sport in various capacities - including as an athletics radio and TV commentator.

His involvement in the sport goes back to the first Soweto Marathon in 1993, when he served on the organising committee.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE