In stunning fashion, Team South Africa delivered breathtaking performances at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, clinching two gold medals and one bronze. Their dominance was underscored by setting two new World Leading times: a blistering 2:57.50 in the men’s 4x400m relay and an electrifying 37.61 seconds in the men’s 4x100m.
The women’s 4x400m team also etched their names in history, setting a new South African National Record of 3:24.84 to claim the bronze medal. This final quartet featured UJ’s Shirley Nekhubui and Precious Molepo alongside South Africans Miranda Coetzee and Zeney van der Walt. In the heat, Nekhubui, Hannah van Niekerk, Molepo, and Van der Walt represented the team.
UJ club member Udeme Okon played a pivotal role in South Africa’s second gold medal triumph, teaming up seamlessly with Gaerdeo Isaacs, Leendert Koekemoer, and Zakithi Nene to win the men’s 4x400m relay in a world-leading time of 2:57.50. In the heats leading up to their victory, Mthi Mthimkulu, Udeme Okon, Lythe Pillay, and Zakithi Nene showcased their prowess by winning their heat in an impressive 3:00.00.
The men’s 4x100m team, led by captain Akani Simbine and featuring Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, and Sinesipho Dambile, delivered an unforgettable race to secure South Africa’s first gold medal, triumphing over powerhouse nations USA and Canada.
These outstanding performances have secured qualification for all four of South Africa’s men’s and women’s relay teams to the upcoming World Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place in September in Tokyo, Japan.
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