South Africa delivered a sensational performance at the World Athletics Relays Championships in Guangzhou, China, on Sunday, capturing two gold medals and one bronze, while setting two new national records in the process. The men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams dominated their finals to top the podium, while the women’s 4x400m team added a hard-fought bronze to the country’s medal haul.
Blazing Gold in Men’s 4x100m Relay
The men’s 4x100m relay squad – comprising Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and sprint sensation Akani Simbine – stormed to victory in a world-leading time of 37.61 seconds. Walaza, the reigning Under-20 world champion in both the 100m and 200m, set the tone with a strong opening leg. Dambile and Nkoana maintained momentum, ensuring South Africa was in a prime position for the anchor leg.
It was then up to Simbine, the fastest man over 100m in 2024 and a back-to-back Diamond League winner, to seal the deal. He surged past American sprinter Brandon Hicklin with a blistering run on the bend, turning a potential silver into a glorious gold. The United States finished second in 37.66 seconds, with Canada third.
South Africa had already signaled their intent in the heats, clocking 37.84 seconds – the fastest time in the round. Their final time was just 0.04 seconds shy of the national record (37.57), set during their silver medal finish at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Record-Breaking Win in Men’s 4x400m Relay
The men’s 4x400m team was equally dominant. Gardeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer, and Zakithi Nene combined brilliantly to win gold in a record-breaking 2:57.50. Their performance shattered the previous South African record of 2:58.12, which had been set by a slightly different lineup that also included Nene and Isaacs at the Paris Olympics.
Belgium took silver in 2:58.19, while other contenders couldn’t match the South Africans’ powerful execution and teamwork.
Historic Bronze for Women’s 4x400m Team
Meanwhile, the women’s 4x400m quartet of Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Precious Molepo, and Zeney Geldenhuys raced to a well-deserved bronze medal in 3:24.84. In doing so, they smashed the previous South African record of 3:28.01, which had been set just a day earlier during the heats.
Spain claimed the gold in 3:24.13, narrowly edging out the United States (3:24.72), while South Africa secured a spot on the podium and continued their upward trajectory in women’s sprinting events.
Mixed Relay Team Shows Grit in Final
The mixed 4x400m team of Hannah van Niekerk, Mthi Mthimkulu, Jada van Staden, and Tumisang Shezi finished fifth in their final with a time of 3:16.29. Though they didn’t medal, their effort contributed to an overall outstanding team performance.
All Teams Secure Spots at World Championships
Importantly, all four South African teams reached their respective finals through strong heat performances on Saturday, thereby qualifying for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
Pride and Praise from Athletics South Africa
Athletics South Africa President James Moloi expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements. “We are besides ourselves with joy. Ecstatic is probably the best word to describe it. We entered four events and came away with medals in three. That speaks volumes,” Moloi said. “The team was in great form after the pre-departure camp in Johannesburg, and they delivered exactly what we hoped for. This is a proud moment for South African athletics.”
World Athletics Relays
South Africa’s stellar showing at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou not only brought home two gold medals, a bronze, and two new national records but also underscored the country’s growing strength in global sprinting. With all four teams securing qualification for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, this performance marks a major milestone in South African athletics. It’s a proud moment for the athletes, their coaches, and the nation — and a clear sign that Team SA is ready to compete among the best on the world stage.
Related article: Akani Simbine Makes a Statement: 9.90s World Lead at Botswana Grand Prix
