South Africa capitalised on a rare mistake by the Jamaica team to dominate their men’s 4x100m relay heat at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou. While Jamaica’s baton drop abruptly ended their chances in the heat, South Africa ran a near-perfect race. They showcased their sprinting depth and teamwork to secure a commanding victory and a coveted automatic qualification spot for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The South African squad featured national 100m record holder Akani Simbine, along with rising stars Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Sinesipho Dambile, and Retshidisitswe Mlenga. In addition, their smooth baton exchanges and consistent speed allowed them to outrun the competition decisively. Thus securing the victory.
Akani Simbine’s leadership and experience proved crucial in maintaining composure and pace throughout the race, as the team executed flawless handoffs in the high-pressure environment of a global relay qualification.
However, Jamaica, traditionally dominant in sprint relays, suffered a costly baton mishap during one of their exchanges, forcing them out of contention in the heat. This error underscored the unforgiving nature of relay racing, where even the fastest teams can be undone by a single misstep.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s ability to seize this opportunity reflects its growing stature in world sprinting. Building on their silver-medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and signalling their readiness to challenge the sport’s traditional powerhouses.
With the top 14 teams in the men’s 4x100m relay heat securing automatic qualification for Tokyo, South Africa’s dominant win not only boosts their medal hopes but also cements their place among the elite. As the World Athletics Relays continue through May 11, South Africa’s performance serves as a statement of intent, while Jamaica faces the challenge of regrouping after a surprising setback.
However, South Africa has a heavy task ahead to challenge other dominating teams.
