The South African men’s 4x100m relay team advanced to the final when Akani Simbine ran a blistering final run in qualification on Thursday.
Drawn in the first of two heats, the South African quartet was nearly last when Simbine received the baton.
However, South Africa’s great 100m runner stormed down the finishing straight to finish second behind the United States.
The top three finishers from each heat, plus the next two fastest times, advanced to the final.
When all was said and done, South Africa finished with the second-fastest overall time of 37.94, giving them a legitimate shot at a medal in the final.
The South African team was made up of Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswangani, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine.
The United States had the fastest time of 37.47.
Great Britain, China, France, Canada, Japan, and Italy will compete in the final alongside the United States and South Africa.
Jamaica was shockingly denied a place in the final.
The final will be conducted on Friday, August 9th at 19:47 (SA time).