African shot put champion Aiden Smith has fumed over the poor treatment he is enduring in his hostel during the ongoing 2026 African Athletics Championships.

He stated that he expected the team to be lodged in a proper hotel that would provide comfort and eliminate challenges with basic necessities.

However, his expectations were met with disappointment, as his room lacked a blanket, toilet paper, warm water, and other essentials.

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The South African also complained about the absence of an air-conditioning remote in his room, which he had to request but was not allowed to keep for timely regulation.

“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 blankets. The aircon, we don’t have an aircon remote. We have to request it at reception. You’re not allowed to keep your aircon remote. You set it and give it back."

"There was no toilet paper. We had to go ask for toilet paper. There’s no warm water. The water is one temperature. The tap water doesn’t work. Some of the guys in our rooms don’t even have running water,” Smith told journalists after his event.

Watch the video below:

‘When we ask for food, they fight with us. We’re not allowed to take more than one chicken.’

South Africa’s Aiden Smith on athlete treatment at their hostel at the ongoing African Athletics Championships.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/CKv1OQZIUQ

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) May 12, 2026