The evening kicked off with fireworks as Akani Simbine anchored the men's 4x100m team to a thrilling gold, clocking a world-leading 37.61 seconds. The United States (US) finished a close second, just 0.05 seconds behind, while Olympic champions Canada took bronze in 38.11.
But the race almost began in disaster. Bayanda Walaza, the under-20 world champion in the 100m and 200m, was initially flagged for a false start, an echo of his disqualification in the 200m final at the recent national championships. Fortunately, a green flag kept South Africa in the race, and Walaza stormed down lane eight to open a clean first leg.
Sinesipho Dambile, the only new addition to the team since the Paris Olympics, kept the momentum down the back straight before handing the baton to Bradley Nkoana. When Simbine received the baton, the US had the edge, but the Olympic silver medallist produced a masterclass anchor leg to snatch victory on the line.
The victory brought back memories of SA's 2021 World Relays win in Poland, which was later stripped due to a doping violation by Thando Dlodlo. Four years later, Simbine and his teammates reclaimed gold, this time, uncontested.
There was more success in the men's 4x400m final, where SA stormed to another gold in a world-leading 2:57.50. The team's line up was a mix of youthful promise and veteran poise.
Gardeo Isaacs led with a 45.39 lap before Udeme Okon, the U20 world 400m champion and still in matric, ran a composed 44.24. Leendert Koekemoer, just 17 years old, powered through with 44.23 to put SA in front. Veteran Zakithi Nene then anchored in 43.64 to close the deal in style.
The women's 4x400m relay team also made history, securing bronze with a national record time of 3:24.84. Shirley Nekhubui started off, handing over to Miranda Coetzee and Precious Molepo, before Zeney van der Walt brought it home, holding off strong competition and finishing just 0.12 seconds behind the U.S. team.
SA's mixed 4x400m team wrapped up the night in fifth place with a time of 3:16.29.
Historically a nation that underplayed the importance of relays, SA sent four teams to Guangzhou, all qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo, and three returned with medals. This is a first in SA athletics history.
With this renewed strength and depth, SA is well positioned to end its eight-year medal drought at the World Championships, last having claimed silverware at London 2017. They narrowly missed out in Doha 2019, Eugene 2022, and Budapest 2023, but Sunday's performances signal a bold new chapter for SA athletics.
--SABC--
