South Africa’s men’s 4 by 400 relay team made history at the Athletics World Championships in Tokyo, claiming a bronze medal that marks the end of an eight-year medal drought for the nation. The team, consisting of Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Wayde van Niekerk, and Zakhiti Nene, showcased relentless spirit and fierce determination as they battled to the finish line on an unexpectedly rainy day.
As the race got underway, dark clouds gathered above the Tokyo stadium, unleashing torrential rain that tested the athletes’ resilience and made handovers particularly challenging. Despite the adverse conditions, South Africa held its ground against strong competition, keeping a tight watch on the frontrunners — Botswana and the United States — who were the pre-race favourites.
With each exchange of the baton, the tension escalated, culminating in a nail-biting final leg where Zakhiti Nene executed a masterful performance, steadily narrowing the gap between South Africa and the leaders. The climax of the race unfolded in a dramatic photo finish, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
Botswana emerged victorious as the first African nation to win the event, clocking an impressive time of 2 minutes and 57.76 seconds. The United States narrowly secured silver, finishing in a time of 2 minutes and 57.83 seconds, just ahead of South Africa, which matched the American’s time but fell short by mere thousandths of a second. For South Africa, this bronze medal represents their first podium finish since the 2017 Athletics World Championships.
Earlier in the competition, the hopes of the men’s 4 by 100-metre relay team ended in disappointment. After a collision during their semi-final race, they were granted a second chance to qualify. However, their time in the re-run was insufficient to progress, reflecting the ups and downs of competitive athletics.
As celebrations continue for a team that has rejuvenated the spirit of South African athletics, the bronze medal win not only serves as a testament to the athletes’ hard work but also promises a bright future as they turn their sights towards the next international competitions.