Akani Simbine leads South African sprinters to thrilling 4x100m gold in China as relay squad outruns United States in dramatic finish

Akani Simbine leads South African sprinters to thrilling 4x100m gold in China as relay squad outruns United States in dramatic finish

It was a weekend to remember for South African athletics fans as the country’s relay teams made history at the World Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China.

With a haul of three medals—including two golds and a national record—Team SA proved they’re a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

From heart-stopping finishes to world-leading times, the energy from Guangzhou is now carrying momentum into the rest of the season as the athletes prepare for the upcoming World Track and Field Championships in Tokyo.


Lightning Strikes Twice: Double Gold for the Men’s Teams

The men’s 4x100m team came out blazing. Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and sprint sensation Akani Simbine were on a mission.

After a strong performance in the heats, where they clocked 37.84 seconds—already the fastest time in the world—expectations were sky-high.

And they didn’t disappoint in the final. Simbine anchored the team and managed to chase down American sprinter Brandon Hicklin to clinch gold in 37.61 seconds, once again setting the fastest time of the year and edging out the U.S. by just 0.05 seconds.


Men’s 4x400m Team Completes a Golden Night

Not to be outdone, the men’s 4x400m relay team added another gold to South Africa’s medal count.

After storming through their heat with a world-best 3:00.00 flat, the pressure was on in the final.

Gaerdeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer and Zakithi Nene rose to the occasion.

Nene powered through the final stretch, pulling clear of Belgium and Botswana to seal the victory in 2:57.50—the fastest time recorded globally this year.


Bronze Breakthrough for the Women’s 4x400m Stars

South Africa’s women were also shining on the track.

The 4x400m squad—Shirley Nekhubui, Hannah van Niekerk, Precious Melepo and Zeney van der Walt—kicked things off by winning their heat with a new national record of 3:28.01.

In the final, they upped the ante. With Miranda Coetzee replacing van Niekerk, the team clocked an incredible 3:24.84—breaking their record again and finishing behind the United States and Spain to proudly take home the bronze medal.


Mixed Relay Team Holds Their Own in Tough Competition

The mixed 4x400m squad also made it to the final after finishing second behind Great Britain in their heat.

Tumisang Shezi, Shirley Nekhubui, Leendert Koekemoer and Zeney van der Walt posted a solid 3:13.79 to book their spot.

In the final showdown, Mthi Mthimkulu, Jada van Staden, Shezi and Hannah van Niekerk gave it their all, crossing the line in fifth place with a time of 3:16.29. The gold in that event went to the United States.


What’s Next for Team South Africa?

With spirits high and global attention secured, all eyes now turn to the World Track and Field Championships in Tokyo later this year.

South Africa’s relay squads have made a bold statement—they’re not just showing up, they’re showing out.

The gold medals, record-breaking runs and fiery finishes in Guangzhou were more than just wins—they were a sign of what’s to come.