Bayanda Walaza’s rise to the pinnacle of world sprinting has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 19-year-old is now the fastest 100m sprinter on the planet this year, cementing his place as South Africa’s next sprinting superstar.
At the Gauteng North Provincial Championships over the weekend, Walaza stormed to victory with a remarkable time of 9.99 seconds, setting a new South African Under-20 record. By doing so, he became the ninth South African athlete to break the 10-second barrier and surpassed the previous record of 10.03 seconds held by Bradley Nkoana.
Bayanda Walaza Continued Success on the Track
Walaza’s success did not stop there. Following his Olympic performance, he went on to claim the 100m and 200m titles at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, further solidifying his dominance in the junior sprinting scene.
His rapid progression was highlighted once again at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix, where he set another personal best in the 200m, clocking an impressive 20.08 seconds. This new record added yet another Under-20 national milestone to his growing list of achievements.
Triumph Over Personal Tragedy
While Walaza’s athletic career has been filled with triumphs, his journey has been shaped by a heartbreaking past. At just 10 years old, he lost his father in a tragic shooting, an event that left a lasting impact on his young life.
His mother, Tholiwe Walaza, opened up about the challenges her son faced following the devastating loss:
“He lost his father in a violent fight when his dad got shot. He experienced all that. After that, it was tough. As a mother, I had to do something,” she revealed.
Recognizing the trauma her son endured, Tholiwe sought counseling and support to help him cope.
“I went for counselling and for social workers to help. It’s something that was so bad. After we buried his father, he was going for counselling. If he saw something violent after that where we’re staying, if there’s something that triggered that, he would be going back. God, counselling, and our family as a strong support system helped him recover.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Walaza’s journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes across South Africa and beyond. His resilience, discipline, and perseverance demonstrate that success is possible despite adversity. Many young sprinters now look up to him as a role model, proving that dedication and belief can turn even the darkest moments into triumphs.
A Bright Future Ahead
Walaza’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite facing immense hardship, he has defied the odds to become a global sprinting sensation. With his talent, work ethic, and unwavering support system, he is well on his way to dominating the world stage for years to come.
As he continues to break records and chase greater heights, Walaza is not just running for medals—he is running for his father’s legacy, his mother’s sacrifices, and a future that now looks brighter than ever.
Related article: U20 World Championship: New Sprint Sensation Bayanda Walaza Claims Gold in 100m
