South Africa shines with gold at World Relay Championships

In a spectacular display of speed and teamwork, South African athletes emerged victorious at the World Relay Championships held in Guangzhou, China, securing three medals, including two prestigious golds. The men’s teams triumphed in both the 4x100m and 4x400m races, showcasing the nation’s prowess in athletics, while the women’s squad added a bronze to the medal tally.

The night began on a high note as the men’s 4x100m relay team comprised of Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine delivered an electrifying performance. Simbine, known for his explosive finish, chased down American sprinter Brandon Hicklin in a nail-biting final stretch, crossing the finish line in 37.61 seconds. This remarkable time not only secured the gold medal but also marked the fastest recorded time in the world for 2023, narrowly edging out the American by just 0.05 seconds.

The excitement continued with the men’s 4x400m relay, where a formidable team consisting of Gaerdeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer, and Zakithi Nene powered their way to gold. Their combined effort resulted in a staggering time of 2:57.50, again the quickest in the world this year, further solidifying South Africa’s dominance in these relays.

Not to be outdone, the women’s team also made their mark on the championship. Anchored by Zeney van der Walt, the women’s 4x400m relay team secured a commendable bronze medal, contributing to an impressive medal haul for the South African delegation.

As these remarkable athletes prepare for the upcoming World Track and Field Championships in Tokyo later this year, there is palpable excitement about their potential to shine on the global stage again. With a track record that includes not just medals but also world-leading times, South Africa’s relay teams are poised for greatness and are sure to capture the hearts of fans worldwide.

MIXED 4x400m

Heats

Tumisang Shezi, Shirley Nekhubui, Leendert Koekemoer and Zeney van der Walt finished second in their heat behind Great Britain, in 3:13.79, to automatically qualify for the final. They were eighth fastest overall.

Final

Mthi Mthimkulu, Jada van Staden, Tumisang Shezi and Hannah van Niekerk finished fifth in 3:16.29, with the gold going to the United States.

MEN’S 4x100m

Heats

Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine were impressive winners of their heat in a world leading 37.84, with Jamaica failing to finish after dropping the baton. South Africa head to the final as joint fastest qualifiers with Japan and 0.02sec ahead of the United States.

Final

GOLD! Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine teamed up again to take the gold medal in 37.61, the fastest time of the year and edging the United States by 0.05sec.

MEN’S 4x400m

Heats

Mthi Mthimkulu, Udeme Okon, Lythe Pillay and Zakithi Nene won their heat in exactly 3:00.00 which is the fastest time in the world this year and they head into Sunday’s final as the fastest qualifiers

Final

GOLD! Gaerdeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer and Zakithi Nene teamed up to win the gold medal in 2:57.50, with Nene pulling well clear of Belgium and Botswana in the final straight.

WOMEN’S 4x400m

Heats

Shirley Nekhubui, Hannah van Niekerk, Precious Melepo and Zeney van der Walt won their heat in 3:28.01 which was a new South African record and the seventh fastest going into Sunday’s final

Final

BRONZE! Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Precious Melepo and Zeney van der Walt broke the South African record again, this time lowering the mark to 3:24.84 as they claimed the bronze medal behind Spain and the United States.