Two time Olympian Gift Leotlela made a stunning comeback, securing his first senior national 100m title at the South African Athletics Championships in Potchefstroom.
The 26-year-old edged out rising star Bayanda Walaza by the slimmest of margins, clocking 9.99 seconds to Walaza’s 10.00.
Leotlela had faded from the spotlight following a career-best 9.94 in 2021 and an injury-plagued Tokyo Olympics semifinal appearance. But his blistering performance on Thursday proved he is far from finished, reigniting hopes for South Africa’s sprinting future.
Leotlela and Walaza both broke 10.00, securing World Championship spots and leaving one team berth open. Benjamin Richardson took third (10.05) as Akani Simbine sat out, sparking a heated race for the last team spot.
Akani Simbine skipped nationals for China’s Diamond League, risking his automatic selection despite holding SA’s 9.82 record. With Leotlela and Walaza both proving their world-class speed, Simbine will need a strong performance to solidify his place.
Richardson, with a 9.95 last year, must beat Simbine’s time to challenge selectors for a spot.
Leotlela’s resurgence isa major boost for South Africa’s 4x100m relay team. South Africa’s relay hopes soar as Simbine, Leotlela, and Walaza all dip under 10 seconds this season. However, Leotlela’s win won’t change the already-finalized World Relays squad for China.
“I don’t know how to feel at the moment, but I’m very happy,” said an emotional Leotlela after the race.
“It’s good for the South African sprint team to have a lot of guys running quick—it increases our chances of medaling at Worlds and the Olympics. If they want to pick me for the team, I’ll be there.”
Joviale Mbisha claimed the women’s 100m title in 11.48, while Glenrose Xaba secured her 10th national title with a dominant 5,000m victory.
In field events, Aiden Smith dethroned Olympic shot putter Kyle Blignaut with a 20.31m throw, and Valco van Wyk soared to a 5.40m pole vault win. Colette Uys (women’s discus) and Douw Smit (men’s javelin) also delivered impressive victories, rounding out a thrilling day of competition.