South Africa’s rising sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza is all set to light up the track at the 2025 Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica on June 7.
The 19-year-old, currently holds the world U20 titles in both the 100m and 200m. He headlines a four-member South African team at Jamaica’s National Stadium.
Walaza will race the 100 metres alongside seasoned sprinter Gift Leotlela. Fellow compatriot, Sinesipho Dambile and Naeem Jack will feature in the 200 metres.
Arriving in top form, Bayanda recently stormed to a lifetime best of 9.94 seconds in Zagreb. That was the fastest U20 time in the world this year and third overall globally. He was also part of the South African 4x100m relay squad that won gold at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou. He clocked c a world-leading 37.61 seconds.
Now, Bayanda is eager to make his mark on one of the most respected senior sprint stages.
“Greetings, I’m ready to showcase my talent in the 100m at the Grand Prix. Come all and witness!” he said in an Instagram story.
“I’ve grown up watching this meet, and to now be running in it as a senior—that’s wild,” he added. “I’m super excited to test myself against some of the best in the world and just soak up the whole experience.”
The men’s 100m field promises fireworks, with Walaza lining up against Jamaica’s fastest-ever junior sprinters. The list includes Bouwahjgie Nkrumie (9.99 PB), Gary Card (10.06), and Deandre Daley (10.08). Their clash is expected to be one of the night’s highlights.
The Racers Grand Prix is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver level. It will feature events in the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, 400m, sprint hurdles, women’s triple jump, and men’s long jump.
