Bayanda Walaza Makes History as He Joins SA’s 100m Elite

(The Post News)– South African sprinting prodigy Bayanda Walaza has cemented his place among the country’s elite after breaking the 10-second barrier in the 100m sprint at the Athletics Gauteng North Championships. The 19-year-old stormed to victory with a personal best of 9.99 seconds at Pretoria’s Pilditch Stadium, becoming only the ninth South African to achieve the feat.

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) student left his competitors in the dust, with Gift Leotlela finishing second in 10.17 seconds and Emile Erasmus crossing the line in 10.26 seconds. Walaza’s sub-10-second sprint not only earned him the Gauteng title but also set a world-leading time for 2025—though the season is still in its early stages. Walaza’s running technique has raised eyebrows, with many likening his stride to a galloping horse or even a windmill. But his coach, Thabo Matebedi, is adamant that there’s no need to tweak a winning formula.

Matebedi explained that Walaza’s technique is a natural response to high-pressure situations, helping him stay ahead in races. He emphasised that attempting to alter it could take away a key advantage that makes him so effective on the track. Walaza’s rapid rise isn’t just about one race. He played a crucial role in South Africa’s silver medal win in the 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, helping veteran sprinter Akani Simbine finally secure his first Olympic medal. A few weeks later, he dominated the 2024 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Peru, winning gold in both the 100m and 200m events.

Despite interest from top US colleges, Walaza chose to stay in South Africa, prioritising his partnership with Matebedi and his studies in Supply Chain Management at TUT. Speaking about his decision, Walaza shared that TUT is more than just a place to study—it’s an environment that nurtures both academic and athletic excellence. He is determined to elevate his performance both on and off the track.

With his eyes now set on the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, Walaza is proving that he’s not just here to compete—he’s here to dominate.