Bayanda Walaza sets a new South African Under-20 record by clocking 9.99 seconds in the 100m, marking him as the fifth fastest junior sprinter in history. This achievement solidifies his emerging status as a serious contender in international athletics following an impressive performance year in 2024.
Bayanda Walaza, South Africa’s emerging sprinting talent, broke through the sub-10-second barrier, clocking an impressive time of 9.99 seconds at the Gauteng North Provincial Championships on March 16. With this achievement, he established a new national Under-20 record and became the fifth quickest junior sprinter ever globally in the 100 metres. Walaza, an Olympic 4x100m relay silver medallist, is now part of an elite group, being only the ninth South African to achieve this feat.
The 19-year-old Walaza improved upon the previous record of 10.03 seconds held by Bradley Nkoana by 0.04 seconds. Known for his distinctive running style, Walaza’s exceptional performance marks a significant milestone in his career, following a successful 2024 season where he won Olympic silver and secured victories in both the 100m and 200m events at the World Athletics U20 Championships held in Lima.
In a competitive climate, Walaza recently triumphed over Australian sprinter Gout Gout during their rivalry in the youth championships. Gout Gout, who clocked a remarkable 20.05 seconds in the Under-20 200m title at the Queensland Athletics Championships 2025, remains a formidable competitor. The performances of both athletes highlight their rapid ascent in the sport as they hold top times for the current season.
Walaza began the year on a strong note, recording the 11th fastest 60m sprint by a junior athlete with a time of 6.58 seconds in February at a meeting in Pretoria. Previously, he gained attention by running 10.13 seconds at the South African junior championships in 2024, where he finished second to Akani Simbine at the senior nationals. With his latest record-breaking run, Walaza has proven he is beyond just a young prospect; he is a serious contender in senior competitions.
In summary, Bayanda Walaza has made history with his recent achievement of a sub-10-second 100m sprint, reducing the South African Under-20 record to 9.99 seconds. As he solidifies his position among the world’s fastest junior sprinters, his ongoing rivalry with fellow athlete Gout Gout adds to the dynamic landscape of sprinting. Walaza’s performances illustrate not only his remarkable talent but also his readiness to compete at the senior level.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
