Leotlela clocks a sub-10 time to secure his spot for Worlds at the South African Championships. Image: Athletic SA.
(The Post News)– It was a star-studded finale at the South African Athletics Championships, with seasoned sprinter Gift Leotlela making a triumphant return after four years. He clocked an unofficial 9.99 seconds in the men’s 100m final—just edging past Walaza in a photo finish to claim his first national title and a ticket to the World Championships in Tokyo.
Leotlela, who had already dipped under ten seconds in the heats, said his focus was purely on replicating that performance and maintaining composure, especially with the pressure from fellow speedsters Bayanda Walaza and Benjamin Richardson. Despite a slower start, his powerful finish sealed the win. Richardson completed the podium in third with 10.05, followed by Cheswill Johnson (10.12) and Letebele (10.17).
In the women’s 800m, world indoor champ Prudence Sekgodiso stamped her authority with a commanding win in 2:06.85. Naum Bobape followed in 2:08.19, with Carise van Rooyen taking third. Meanwhile, in the men’s shot put, Aiden Smith stole the show with a throw of 20.31m, ahead of Kyle Blignaut’s 20.07. Hencu Lamberts came in third with 17.89m.
About the Author
