By Zukile Majova
- Akani Simbine led a powerful comeback to beat the USA and win gold in the 4x100m final.
- South Africa’s relay teams walked away with two golds and a bronze in a record-breaking night.
South Africa made history by becoming the first African team to win the men’s 4x100m relay at the World Relays — storming to gold in 37.61 seconds.
Despite trailing behind the USA when he got the baton, sprint star Akani Simbine powered through the final leg to seal the win for the South African team.
Akani is currently the world leading 100m sprinter having clocked a world leading time of 9,90s in a Diamond League meeting.
He followed this with a time of 9,99s in another meeting in China while Walaza also clocked a sub 10 seconds earlier this year.
It was a rough start as Bayanda Walaza, the world junior champion, nearly false started. But once the race got underway, the team held their nerve and ran one of their best races yet.
South Africa’s success in Guangzhou, China, didn’t stop there.
The men’s 4x400m team also struck gold — with 400m specialist Zakithi Nene anchoring the final stretch to finish on top.
The women’s 4x400m quartet capped off the night with a bronze medal and a new national record, putting the cherry on top of one of Athletics South Africa’s most successful global campaigns.
The team’s medal haul means they have all qualified for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
Pictured above: South Africa’s golden relay team in action at the World Relays.
Image source: @AkaniSimbine
