Teen sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza delivered a career-defining performance over the weekend, running one of the fastest 100m times in South African history. Competing at the Boris Hanžeković Memorial meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, Walaza stormed to a personal best of 9.94 seconds to win the race in emphatic style.

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The 19-year-old’s performance stunned the crowd and further solidified his place among the elite of South African sprinting. In achieving this milestone, Walaza not only set a new national junior record but also became the fourth-fastest South African sprinter of all time. His 9.94-second sprint places him alongside seasoned athletes Wayde van Niekerk and Gift Leotlela, who share the same personal best time.

Only three South Africans have run faster: Akani Simbine (9.82), Benjamin Richardson (9.86), and Shaun Maswanganyi (9.91). Walaza now joins that prestigious list, a remarkable feat considering he only broke the 10-second barrier for the first time earlier this year.

Record-Breaking Momentum

Walaza had already made headlines in March 2025 when he clocked 9.99 seconds, becoming the ninth South African athlete to dip under the elusive 10-second mark. That performance broke the national junior record at the time and marked him as a rising force in world sprinting. Saturday’s race in Zagreb proved he was just getting started.

The race itself was a masterclass in acceleration and control. By the halfway mark, Walaza had already separated himself from the rest of the field. With his unique sprinting style—his head bobbing forward and back—he powered through the final meters with unmatched speed. Germany’s Owen Ansah and Sweden’s Henrik Larsson, both finishing in 10.20 seconds, could only watch from a distance as the young South African crossed the line well ahead.

A Breakout Year for Bayanda Walaza

The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Walaza. In 2024, he captured gold medals in both the 100m and 200m at the World U20 Championships, confirming his dominance among his peers. But it was at the Paris Olympics that Walaza truly stepped onto the global stage. Running as part of South Africa’s 4x100m relay team, he helped the squad to a silver medal finish, a performance that brought the country to its feet.

Since then, Walaza’s career has continued on an upward trajectory. He’s now recorded multiple sub-10 second runs, a benchmark of world-class sprinting. Each performance seems to improve on the last, a testament to his dedication, physical talent, and the coaching support around him.

Eyes on the World Championships

With two sub-10 second times already under his belt in 2025, Walaza is now focused on the next major milestone: the World Athletics Championships in Japan later this year. There, he’ll be part of a formidable South African 4x100m relay team, likely anchored by the experienced Akani Simbine. Expectations are high that the team can challenge for a podium spot, building on the momentum from the Olympics.

Walaza will also be a serious contender in the individual 100m event. While competition will be fierce from sprinters across the globe, his current form suggests he could be a dark horse to reach the final—or even surprise with a medal.

The Future of South African Sprinting

At just 19 years old, Walaza has already achieved more than most sprinters manage in an entire career. But those close to him believe he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. His rapid rise, consistent improvements, and fearless racing style hint at a long and successful journey ahead.

As South African sprinting continues to evolve on the international stage, Bayanda Walaza is poised to be at the heart of it. With youth on his side and history already being written, the country may have found its next global sprint icon.