Bochum, Germany – July 22, 2025 – Day 6 of the World University Games and the second day of athletics brought both triumph and heartbreak for Team South Africa in Essen, with medals secured on the track and fine performances across multiple disciplines.
Track Highlights
The men’s 100m proved the headline act of the evening as Bayanda Walaza stormed to victory in the final, clocking 10.16 seconds to secure South Africa’s first gold medal in athletics at Rhine-Ruhr 2025. Teammate Kyle Zinn, who had also impressed through the rounds, finished fifth in 10.42, ensuring a strong double showing for the sprinters.
In the women’s 100m, Gabriella Marais delivered a composed run to claim bronze in 11.51, adding another medal to South Africa’s tally. Earlier in the semifinals, she qualified strongly with 11.69, while teammate Joviale Mbisha was disqualified for a false start in her race.
The men’s 400m semifinals offered further excitement. Lythe Pillay showed his pedigree, winning his semifinal in 45.53 to advance to the final with the fastest time of the round. Unfortunately, Tumisang Shezi’s campaign ended prematurely after a hamstring injury forced him to pull up just past the 100m mark.
In the women’s 400m, both Precious Molepo (53.30) and Marlie Viljoen (52.99) produced strong semifinal efforts but narrowly missed out on progression.
The men’s 1500m heats brought double qualification joy. Keanu Domingo ran a tactical race to finish third in his heat with 3:45.54, while Johannes Munnik followed with an impressive 3:44.43 for fourth in his heat, both advancing to the semifinals.
There was disappointment in the hurdles events. Hannah van Niekerk provided a highlight in the women’s 400m hurdles by finishing third in her heat in 56.62, securing automatic qualification. However, fellow hurdler Zeney van der Walt was forced to withdraw due to flu, while Wernich van Rensburg suffered a disqualification for a false start in the men’s 400m hurdles semifinal.
In the women’s 800m, Charne Swart impressed with a third-place finish in her heat, clocking 2:02.73 to secure safe passage to the next round.
Field Events
The women’s shot put final showcased South Africa’s depth, with Colette Uys claiming bronze with 17.34m, edging teammate Miné de Klerk, who finished just one centimetre behind in fourth (17.33m).
In the men’s discus final, Aron Aranda recorded a best throw of 55.94m to finish ninth in a highly competitive field.
Medals and Momentum
Day 2 concluded with two medals in the sprints and one in the shot put, headlined by Walaza’s gold in the men’s 100m. Alongside Marais’ bronze and Uys’ podium finish, the team continued to build momentum after a promising opening day.
As athletics progressed into its decisive stages, Team South Africa remained firmly in contention across the sprints, middle-distance races, and field events, with athletes poised to challenge for further medals in the days ahead.
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
For More South African World University Games News:
World University Games Day 6 Recap – Team South Africa Opens Archery Campaign
Day 6 Recap – Nel Strikes Bronze, Moll and Van Niekerk Through to Finals
Day 5 Diving Recap – Heydra Shines in Final, Shozi Shows Grit
