Even without some marquee stars, sparkling performances at the national athletics championships underlined the depth of talent and the rising prospects.
Defending champions Akani Simbine, Lythe Pillay, Marion Fourie and Jo-Ane du Plessis all chose to compete at the opening Diamond League meet in China on Saturday, with mixed results, while 400m world record-holder Wayde van Niekerk stayed home after the birth of his second child.
No problem. The likes of Prudence Sekgodiso, the 800m world indoor champion, and 400m runner Zakithi Nene delivered power performances over the three days of competition.
They were among eight athletes to achieve automatic qualifying standards for the world championships in Tokyo in September during the meet.
Sekgodiso 800m, Nene 400m, Sinesipho Dambile 200m and teenager Bayanda Walaza 100m and 200m had already hit the criteria before the national showpiece, with another four first-timers joining them.