South African Team Secures Three Medals and Sets Two Records at World Relays

Image: AFP / Getty Images, courtesy of World Athletics

South Africa celebrated a remarkable final day at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, with their men’s 4x100m and 4x400m teams clinching gold and the women’s 4x400m squad securing bronze.

The men’s 4x100m team—Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine—claimed victory in 37.61 seconds, narrowly missing the national record of 37.57 set during their silver-medal performance at the Paris Olympics. The United States finished close behind, taking silver in 37.66.

The men’s 4x400m quartet of Gardeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer, and Zakithi Nene delivered another golden moment, clocking 2:57.50—shattering South Africa’s previous record of 2:58.12. Belgium secured second place in 2:58.19.

In the women’s 4x400m final, Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Precious Molepo, and Zeney Geldenhuys captured bronze in 3:24.84, setting a new national record. Spain took gold in 3:24.13, while the United States earned silver in 3:24.72.

The mixed 4x400m team—Hannah van Niekerk, Mthi Mthimkulu, Jada van Staden, and Tumisang Shezi—finished fifth in 3:16.29.

All four South African squads qualified for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after strong performances in the heats. Athletics South Africa President James Moloi praised the team’s efforts, saying, "We are beyond ecstatic. Our athletes, coaches, and management have done an outstanding job, and we are incredibly proud."