Following a breathtaking, record-breaking weekend at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana earlier in May 2026, University of Johannesburg (UJ) track sensation Lythe Pillay has been officially nominated for the prestigious World Athletics Athlete of the Month award for May.
Voting closes on Sunday, 7 June 2026.
Pillay, the sole South African nominee on the elite nine-athlete shortlist, catapulted himself into the global spotlight after anchoring the South African men’s 4x400m relay team to a historic silver medal.
Together with Zakithi Nene, Leendert Koekemoer, and Mthi Mthimkhulu, Pillay clocked a blistering 2:55.07. This speed shattered the South African National Record and stands as the fifth-fastest time globally.
While the United States’ legendary 1993 world record narrowly remained intact, Pillay carved out his own slice of history. The UJ star dropped jaws by clocking a mind-boggling 42.66 seconds on his lap—unofficially recognised as the fastest 4x400m split in athletic history.
The men’s 4x400m final on 3 May in Botswana was not just a race; it was an unprecedented onslaught on the athletics record books. Delivering three of the fastest times ever witnessed in the discipline, the podium finishers pushed each other to the absolute limit:
- Gold: Botswana captured the crown on home soil with the third-fastest time in history.
- Silver: South Africa’s stellar quartet.
- Bronze: Australia pushed right to the line, securing the sixth-fastest time in history.
Elite International Competition
Securing the May accolade will be no easy feat. Pillay faces a formidable field of global icons, champions, and record-breakers, including:
- The Botswana Men’s 4x400m Team: Nominated collectively for their historic gold-medal triumph.
- The Australian Relay Squad: Recognised for an incredible clean sweep, qualifying all of their relay teams for the upcoming World Championships.
- Simon Ehammer (Switzerland): Nominated after soaring to a world decathlon long jump best of 8.51m.
- Alegna González (Mexico): Celebrated for a dominant streak of three distinct victories on the World Race Walking Tour.
- Team Jamaica: The mixed 4x100m squad, who shattered two world records during the World Relay Championships.
Joining the giants of 2026
The winner of the May award will join an illustrious list of athletes who have defined the sporting year so far. The 2026 monthly winners include:
- January – Sam Ruthe (NZ): Set a blistering new U18 mile world record of 3:48.88.
- February – Keely Hodgkinson (GBR): Smashed the 800m short track record in 1:54.87.
- March – Simon Ehammer (SUI): Set a stunning world record of 6,670 points in the Heptathlon.
- April – Sebastian Sawe (KEN): Shattered the mythical two-hour barrier at the London Marathon.
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Public voting and expert panels will decide if Pillay’s historic 42.66-second lightning bolt is enough to secure him the ultimate May crown. For the UJ community and South African athletics fans, he is already a champion.
