Bayanda Walaza set a new South African under-20 record by clocking 9.99 seconds in the 100m sprint, making him the joint fifth fastest junior in history. His performance at the Gauteng North Provincial Championships indicates his emergence as a serious contender in athletics, alongside rival Gout Gout. Walaza has shown consistent improvement since 2024, reflecting his potential at the senior level.
Bayanda Walaza, a remarkable talent in South African sprinting, made headlines on March 16 by breaking the sub-10 barrier with a remarkable 9.99 seconds in the 100m sprint at the Gauteng North Provincial Championships. This achievement not only set a new national under-20 record but also positioned him as the joint fifth fastest junior athlete ever globally in this category.
At just 19 years old, Walaza became the ninth South African sprinter to run under 10 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 10.03 seconds held by Bradley Nkoana. His unorthodox running style has garnered attention, and his ascent follows a successful 2024 season where he secured Olympic silver and excelled at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, winning the 100m and 200m events.
Walaza’s notable competition has been Gout Gout from Australia, who claimed the Under-20 200m title at the Queensland Athletics Championships with a time of 20.05 seconds. Both athletes currently hold the fastest recorded times for the 200m and 100m categories this season, despite being early in the athletic calendar.
Earlier this year, Walaza demonstrated his capabilities by recording the 11th fastest junior time over 60m, clocking 6.58 seconds in Pretoria. His journey began in 2024 when he clocked a time of 10.13 seconds at the South African junior championships, solidifying his place in senior sprinting after finishing second in the senior nationals behind Akani Simbine. Walaza’s under-10 second performance cements his emergence as a genuine contender in senior competitions.
Bayanda Walaza’s achievement of clocking 9.99 seconds for the 100m sprint marks a significant milestone in South African athletics, establishing him as a formidable force in sprinting. His record-breaking performance not only highlights his talent but also puts him among the elite junior athletes globally. With ongoing competitions and his previous successes, Walaza is poised for a promising athletic career ahead.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
