OR Tambo erupts in celebration as athletes return with medals from China
OR Tambo erupts in celebration as athletes return with medals from China
OR Tambo International Airport was filled with joy and celebration on May 14 as proud supporters, family, friends, and classmates welcomed home South Africa's medal-winning relay athletes.
The team returned from the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China.
The national team earned three medals, including gold in the men's 4x100m and 4x400m relays and bronze in the women's 4x400m final.
In addition to the podium finishes, all three squads secured automatic qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
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The mixed 4x400m team, which finished fifth in their event, also qualified.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) president James Moloi praised the team's success, describing it as the result of a broader developmental plan.
'We are very excited because this is a long-term project, especially aimed at building up these young athletes. While Tokyo is our next target, we are building for Los Angeles,' he said.
Moloi explained that ASA has a four-year development programme that includes rural and urban school competitions.
'We want to build a strong pipeline across all disciplines, especially the women's teams. We've also launched a broadcasting initiative and secured sponsorship for the full four-year cycle,' he added.
He stressed the importance of continued investment in development.
'It's difficult to beat countries like the USA, Britain, and Jamaica. People assumed the SA team wouldn't win because of those strong competitors, but we proved them wrong.'
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In the men's 4x100m relay, 19-year-old Bayanda Walaza teamed up with Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine to record a blistering time of 37.61 seconds, the fastest of the year, beating the United States by just 0.05 seconds.
Bayanda's mother, Tholiwe Walaza, was overwhelmed with pride.
'I'm very happy. They've done so well. Since primary school, Bayanda has been passionate about athletics. This is a dream come true,' she said.
Bradley Nkoana's grandmother, Anna Nkoana, travelled from Mabopane to give her grandson a hero's welcome.
'I couldn't wait for this day. I called him every day while he was away. His passion started in primary school, and he's still going strong in university,' she said.
In the men's 4x400m, the team of Gaerdeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer, and Zakithi Nene claimed gold with a time of 2 minutes and 57 seconds.
Leendert Koekemoer's father, Lourens, proudly reflected on his son's journey.
'My son ran the third leg. It's amazing. Athletics in South Africa is in a healthy place right now.
'From junior to senior levels, there's great momentum. Leendert started with short-distance races, but everything changed when he switched to the 400m in Grade Eight. He's since won national titles and even broke a South African record this year.'
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The women's 4x400m team, Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Precious Melepo, and Zeney van der Walt, set a new national record on their way to securing the bronze medal.
SASCOC president Barry Hendricks congratulated the team, saying: 'We're proud of you. You made us stand and scream at our TVs.
'The passion you showed has planted a seed of hope for many aspiring athletes. Our investment through the Operation Excellence programme has paid off.'
Former South African sprinter Geraldine Pillay also praised the athletes.
'I'm incredibly proud of our athletes. They performed brilliantly and qualified for the World Championships, topping the medal rankings at the World Relays.
This is a phenomenal moment for both the young stars and seasoned athletes like Akani Simbine.
'We wish the team all the best for the rest of the season, especially as they prepare for the World Championships in Tokyo later this year.'
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