Bayanda Walaza steps into the spotlight as the man to beat in the men’s 100m at South Africa’s national championships. With Akani Simbine absent, the 19-year-old prodigy carries momentum from a breakout 2024: a 9.99-second personal best, a world junior double gold of 100m/200m, and a 4x100m Olympic silver medal.
“I’m ready to prove myself,” says Walaza, who has already secured his World Championships ticket.
Bayanda Walaza faces fierce competition from rising stars Karabo Letebele and Abduraghmaan Karriem, plus world qualifier Benjamin Richardson.
Meanwhile, the women’s 100m promises equal drama, with Viwe Jingqi, Shirley Nekhubui, and 17-year-old Hanna Vermaak chasing the 11.07s Tokyo standard.
Wayde van Niekerk headlines a stacked 200m field alongside Luxolo Adams, while Udeme Okon, a 19-year-old world junior 400m champion, aims to dethrone Olympian Zakithi Nene. Okon needs 44.85s to join Nene and Lythe Pillay, who are absent due to Diamond League duties in Tokyo.
Additionally, Luvo Manyonga makes an emotional return to McArthur Stadium, site of his 8.65m African record leap in 2017. Now 34 and fresh off a doping ban, the long jumper battles hamstring concerns and rivals Jovan van Vuuren and Cheswill Johnson.
Prudence Sekgodiso doubles in the 800m and 1,500m, buoyed by her world indoor gold. Marathon star Glenrose Xaba, coached by Caster Semenya, adds intrigue to the 1,500m.
Bayanda walaza Impressive Career
Bayanda Walaza has quickly risen as a standout young sprinter. At 19, he won a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first South African high schooler to earn an Olympic medal. He then claimed gold in the 100m and 200m at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships.
Walaza broke the 10-second barrier with a 9.99-second 100m. Balancing academics and athletics, Walaza’s early achievements and unique technique mark him as a promising future star in sprinting. Moreover, all eyes are on him to see if he will shine at South Africa’s national championships.
