Team South Africa enjoyed a great day at the World Athletics Relays Championships in China on Saturday, with all four relay teams advancing to Sunday’s finals – and, more importantly, securing qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year.
A total of 19 South African athletes are competing across four events: the men’s 4x100m, men’s and women’s 4x400m, and the mixed 4x400m.
Mixed 4x400m team
The mixed 4x400m team, consisting of Zeney van der Walt, Shirley Nekhubui, Leendert Koekemoer, and Tumisang Shezi, got South Africa off to a strong start.
They finished second in their heat behind Great Britain, booking their place in Sunday’s final while also securing their spot in Tokyo. However, they will need a strong performance to challenge for a podium finish, having qualified as the eighth-fastest team with a time of 3:13.79.
Men’s 4x100m
Next up, South Africa’s men’s 4x100m squad – led by captain Akani Simbine alongside Bayanda Walaz, Bradley Nkoana, and Sinesipho Dambile – delivered an impressive performance.
They stormed to victory in their heat with a time of 37.84 seconds, earning a place in Sunday’s final and automatic qualification for the World Championships.
Women’s 4x400m
The women’s 4x400m team, featuring Van Niekerk, Van der Walt, Nekhubui, and Molepo, continued the momentum by winning their heat in a new national record of 3:28.01.
They qualified seventh-fastest for the final and, like their teammates, secured their ticket to Tokyo.
Men’s 4x400m
Rounding off the day, the men’s 4x400m team – Zakithi Nene, Udeme Okon, Lythe Pillay, and Mthi Mthimkhulu – put in a commanding performance, crossing the line first in exactly three minutes.
Their victory ensured South Africa’s flawless qualification record, with all four teams advancing to both Sunday’s finals and the World Championships.
