Bayanda Walaza Poised to Take Over 100m Sprints from Akani Simbine

Image: Cecilia van Bers

South Africa continues to be a powerhouse in sprinting, consistently producing athletes who dominate on the global stage.

Akani Simbine, a name synonymous with speed, has long carried the nation's hopes with his stellar performances. However, at 31, he is approaching the end of his career and must focus on nurturing the next generation of sprinting talent. One such rising star is 19-year-old Bayanda Walaza, who has been making waves with his rapid progress.

Despite his unconventional running style, Walaza is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. According to Weekend Argus, Bayanda Walaza has been steadily improving, and on Saturday, he clocked an impressive 9.94 seconds at the Boris Hankezovic Memorial meeting in Zagreb. This remarkable achievement not only set a new South African junior record but also tied the fourth-fastest time ever recorded by a South African sprinter. Additionally, it ranks as the third-fastest time in the world this year.

Walaza’s success isn’t limited to individual sprints. In May 2025, he played a crucial role in South Africa’s victory in the Men’s 4 × 100 metres relay at the World Athletics Relays in China. His talent was already on full display last year when he contributed to South Africa’s silver-medal finish in the men’s 4 × 100m relay at the Paris Olympics 2024. That team, led by Simbine, secured what remains his sole major international medal to date.

With his relentless progress and growing list of accolades, Walaza is proving that South Africa’s sprinting legacy is in safe hands. His future looks bright, and he may soon establish himself as one of Africa’s finest sprinters.