Nanjing, China – March 23, 2025
South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso delivered a historic performance on the final day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, becoming the women’s 800m World Indoor Champion in spectacular fashion — and setting a new South African indoor record in the process.
Sekgodiso stormed to gold in a blistering time of 1:58.40, lowering her own national record for the third time this season and becoming the first South African athlete ever to win a world indoor title in the 800m event.
The final unfolded at a frantic pace, with Ethiopian duo Nigist Getachew and Tsige Duguma charging through the first 400m in a punishing 55 seconds. Sekgodiso followed closely, biding her time, while the rest of the field — including Portugal’s Patrícia Silva, Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, and Poland’s Anna Wielgosz — held back in anticipation of a late-race collapse by the frontrunners.
With 150m to go, Sekgodiso made her decisive move. Showing composure and strength, she surged past the tiring Ethiopians. Duguma faded dramatically in the final stretch, while Getachew tried to respond but was unable to match Sekgodiso’s finishing kick. The South African crossed the line in dominant fashion, clocking the fastest time in the world this year.
Getachew claimed silver in a personal best of 1:59.63, while Silva surged late to take bronze in 1:59.80, setting a new Portuguese national record.
Sekgodiso’s triumph caps a phenomenal debut indoor season. After breaking the national record twice earlier in 2025, she now adds global gold to her growing list of accolades — firmly establishing herself as one of the rising stars of world middle-distance running.
Elsewhere on the final day, two other South Africans competed in the field events. Chris van Niekerk placed 14th in the men’s shot put final with a best throw of 19.47m, while Cheswill Johnson finished 12th in the men’s long jump final with a leap of 7.64m.
South Africa finishes the championships with two medals: Sekgodiso’s gold and Akani Simbine’s bronze in the men’s 60m sprint final on Day 1 — a proud result that signals a promising year ahead for the nation’s track and field stars.
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For More South African Athletics News: Sekgodiso Books Spot in 800m Final at World Indoor Championships
Sekgodiso Cruises Into 800m Semifinals at World Athletics Indoor Championships
