South Africa’s men’s 4x400m relay team brought joy to the nation after clinching bronze at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, ending an eight-year medal drought on the global stage. The quartet of Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Wayde van Niekerk and Zakithi Nene combined spectacularly, securing third place in a dramatic blanket finish that went down to thousandths of a second. But beyond national pride, how much did their bronze medal actually earn them?
SA 4x400m Relay Breaking the Podium Drought
The relay was the last chance for Team SA to step onto the podium after near misses across multiple events. Competing in wet conditions at the Japan National Stadium, the team clocked 2:57.83 – the same official time as the United States. A photo-finish revealed that the Americans had edged ahead by just 0.002 seconds, pushing South Africa into third. Botswana held on for gold with a winning time of 2:57.76.
Despite the narrow margin, the result was historic. It was South Africa’s first medal at the world championships since 2017, giving athletics in the country a much-needed boost.
2025 World Athletics Championships: How the Prize Money Works
World Athletics confirmed that more than US$8.5 million was shared among athletes at this year’s nine-day competition in Tokyo. Each of the 49 events – 24 for men, 24 for women, and the mixed 4x400m relay – carried a structured prize purse for finalists.
For relay events, the prize money distribution was as follows:
- 1st place: US$80,000
- 2nd place: US$40,000
- 3rd place: US$20,000
- 4th place: US$16,000
- 5th place: US$12,000
- 6th place: US$8,000
- 7th place: US$6,000
- 8th place: US$4,000
This meant South Africa’s bronze-medal finish was worth US$20,000 (about R370,000).
How the Money is Shared
The prize money is awarded to the team as a whole and then split among the four runners. Based on the US$20,000 allocation, each member of the relay squad – Pillay, Okon, van Niekerk and Nene – will receive US$5,000 (around R92,000) before taxes and deductions.
While not life-changing compared to earnings in global football or tennis, the bonus is significant in athletics, where sponsorship and funding opportunities are often limited. The medal also increases the athletes’ visibility and could open doors for more lucrative endorsements.
Voices from the Track
Zakithi Nene, who had finished fifth in the individual 400m final earlier in the week, admitted the bronze was a relief after missing out in his specialist event.
“We had our objectives for the relay and I think we delivered, as expected,” said Nene. “The guys ran pretty well, set me up, and I was glad I was able to finish the job. I’m proud of my brothers, and we’re looking forward to the journey that lies ahead.”
His comments underline the collective spirit of the squad, which shifted its focus to the relay once individual medal hopes had slipped away.
What It Means for SA Athletics
Beyond the money, the medal is a symbolic moment for the sport in the country. Athletics South Africa has faced criticism in recent years for a lack of podium finishes at major global events. The bronze in Tokyo not only restores national pride but also provides a foundation to build towards the 2027 championships and the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
The financial reward, modest as it may seem, also serves as recognition for the athletes’ perseverance through intense training, injury setbacks, and the pressure of competing on the world stage.
A Podium Worth More Than Money
While US$20,000 might not make headlines in sporting finance, the bronze medal represents far more than prize money. It is a reminder of South Africa’s rich sprinting heritage and a signal that the nation still belongs among the world’s elite. For Pillay, Okon, van Niekerk and Nene, this medal – and the R92,000 each – is not just a payday, but a reward for resilience and a launchpad for greater achievements still to come.
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