South African Relay Teams Shine at World Athletics Relay Championships in Guangzhou

On May 12, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took to X to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the nation’s relay teams at the World Athletics Relay Championships held in Guangzhou, China, over the weekend of May 10-11. The men’s 4x100m and 4x400m teams, along with the women’s 4x400m team, clinched gold medals while setting new South African records, securing their spots at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September 2025.

The men’s 4x100m team, featuring sprint star Akani Simbine alongside Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, and Bradley Nkoana, delivered a world-leading time of 37.61 seconds—just 0.04 seconds shy of the African record set during their Olympic silver medal performance in Paris 2024. This victory underscores South Africa’s growing prowess in relay events, building on a legacy that includes a world record in the 4x100m at the 2021 U20 Championships in Nairobi. The men’s 4x400m and women’s 4x400m teams also shone, with the latter earning bronze alongside their gold, further highlighting the depth of talent in South African athletics.

A widely shared image of the team, dressed in iconic green and yellow uniforms, captured the moment of triumph on the Guangzhou track. The diverse squad, beaming with pride and some holding medals, symbolized unity and resilience in a nation where sport has often mirrored broader societal challenges, including racial and gender disparities. Historical context from The Sport Journal (2016) notes the struggle for equitable representation in South African sports, yet moments like these show progress, with athletes like Simbine leading the charge through camaraderie and excellence.

President Ramaphosa’s post, which garnered significant engagement on X, also drew mixed reactions. While many, like user @MonwabisiKete, celebrated with comments like “We are a winning nation! 🇿🇦❤️,” others raised concerns about domestic issues, reflecting the complex socio-political landscape. Nonetheless, this victory marks a high point for Athletics South Africa as they prepare for Tokyo, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see their athletes continue to break barriers on the global stage.

Published: May 13, 2025, 01:06 PM GMT