South Africa’s relay squads delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25, with all four national teams booking their places in Sunday’s finals and, in doing so, earning automatic qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Men’s 4x100m Relay: World-Leading Heat Performance
The South African men’s 4x100m team produced one of the standout performances of the day, clocking a world-leading time of 37.84 seconds in their heat—matching Japan’s effort in Heat 3. Their time secured a place in the highly anticipated final, where they will face off against sprinting powerhouses including the United States, Canada, Italy, Great Britain, Germany, and Poland.
Three members of South Africa’s silver medal-winning team from the Tokyo Olympics featured in today’s lineup: Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine.
Men’s 4x400m Relay: Dominant Victory
South Africa’s men’s 4x400m team showcased their strength with a dominant heat victory, crossing the line in exactly 3:00.00, the fastest time of the day. The quartet of Mthi Mthimkulu, Udeme Okon, Lythe Pillay, and Zakithi Nene led the charge, winning by nearly two seconds.
China edged Spain to join South Africa from that heat in the final. Elsewhere, Heat 4 produced strong times as France, Kenya, and the United States also progressed. Southern African neighbours Botswana won their heat ahead of Portugal, while Great Britain and Belgium claimed the remaining spots.
Mixed 4x400m Relay: Smooth Progression to Final
In the mixed 4x400m relay, South Africa finished second in their heat behind Great Britain, recording a time of 3:13.79 to advance. The USA, who posted the fastest time of 3:11.37, will head into the final as favourites for gold. Belgium, Australia, Ireland, Poland, and Kenya also advanced.
South Africa’s team featured Tumisang Shezi, Shirley Nekhubui, Leendert Koekemoer, and Zenéy van der Walt.
Women’s 4x400m Relay: Strong Heat Win
The South African women’s 4x400m team continued the nation’s fine form, winning their heat in 3:28.01, finishing ahead of Germany in Heat 3. Their performance secured a place in the final alongside the United States, Spain, France, Norway, Italy, and Canada.
The team comprised Hannah van Niekerk, Precious Molepo, and dual-finalists Shirley Nekhubui and Zenéy van der Walt, both of whom had already competed in the mixed relay earlier in the evening.
Finals Schedule – Sunday, 11 May 2025 (SAST):
- Mixed 4x400m Final – 15:03
- Men’s 4x100m Final – 15:26
- Women’s 4x400m Final – 15:36
- Men’s 4x400m Final – 15:49
Fans can follow live results and updates on the official World Athletics website.
With all four teams through to their respective finals and riding a wave of strong performances, South Africa heads into Sunday’s finale with high hopes for a successful conclusion to their campaign in Guangzhou.
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