The sensational University of Johannesburg (UJ) track star, Lythe Pillay, delivered a stellar performance at the World Relays in the Bahamas, anchoring the South African men’s 4x400m relay team to a silver medal and a crucial Olympic qualification spot.

Dramatic finish and Paris calling

Pillay, in a last-lap surge, overtook two competitors, propelling South Africa to a second-place finish in 3:00.75. This victory marks a significant comeback for Wayde van Niekerk, who bagged his first international medal in seven years, running alongside Zakithi Nene and Gardeo Isaacs.

Pillay recently qualified to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games in July and August after winning a gold medal in the Athletics South Africa National Championship in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal. This podium finish secures South Africa’s participation in the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Botswana claimed the gold medal, while Belgium finished third.

Dominant Heats

It was a two-horse race from the heats, with the South African quartet consistently chasing the strong Botswanan team from the heats onwards. Team SA put their best foot forward in the capable Pillay, Van Niekerk, Zakhithi Nene, and Gardeo Isaacs.

The Bahamas, competing on home soil, ignited the competition by securing their own Olympic berth in the mixed 4x400m relay repechage heat, ahead of Jamaica with a time of 3:12.81.

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