It was a day of triumph for Team South Africa at the World Athletics Relays Championships in China, as they showcased their remarkable talent and determination, securing three valuable podium finishes and confirming their spots for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year.
The action got underway with the Mixed 4x400m relay, where the South African team, featuring the dynamic duo of Shirley Shezi and Hannah Van Niekerk, fought valiantly against a field of formidable competitors. Despite a commendable effort, they finished fifth, clocking a time of 3:16.29, just behind the powerhouses of the USA, Australia, Kenya, and Great Britain.
However, the mood quickly changed as the Men’s 4x100m squad stepped onto the track. In a breathtaking display of speed and teamwork, the quartet of Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nokana, and anchor Akani Simbine delivered a gold-medal performance, finishing with a world-leading time of 37.61 seconds. The flawless baton exchanges and Simbine’s explosive acceleration during the final leg left spectators in awe as they outpaced their rivals from the USA and Canada.
The Women’s 4x400m team further etched its name in South African athletics history, smashing the national record with an impressive time of 3:24.84 to clinch bronze. The talented quartet of Shirley Nekhubuni, Miranda Coetzee, Precious Molepo, and Zeney Van Der Walt held their composure under pressure, securing third place behind the dominant teams of Spain and the USA.
As if this wasn’t enough, the Men’s 4x400m relay team topped off an unforgettable day for South Africa with a commanding gold medal performance. The team, consisting of Zakithi Nene, Udeme Okon, Lythe Pillay, and Mthi Mthimkhulu, blazed through the track with a stunning time of 2:57.50, besting Belgium and Botswana in a display of unrivalled athletic prowess.
Despite the Mixed 4x400m team narrowly missing the podium, the overall success of all four South African squads at the Championships ensures their qualification for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, setting the scene for an exhilarating continuation of the nation’s athletics legacy.