South Africa continued to climb the medals table on Thursday, with sprinter Udeme Okon storming to gold in the men’s 400m final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru.
Having focussed on athletics for the first time this season, Okon was rewarded for his efforts as he claimed a convincing victory in 45.69 seconds.
He tore clear down the home straight, finishing comfortably clear of American opponent Jayden Davis who settled for silver in 46.08.
“I’m so happy for this moment. It’s the best feeling,” said Okon, who pocketed the SA team’s fourth medal of the biennial showpiece.
“It was very cold but I knew I had to come out here and relax, pace myself and get the win.
“I used to run, but this is my first year running this seriously, so I just wanted to come out here and do my best.”

Other events

Earlier on day three of the global junior championships, Bayanda Walaza kept his hopes alive for a 100m/200m double.
A day after winning 100m gold, Walaza won his 200m semifinal in 21.00, clocking the fastest time of the penultimate round and booking his place in the final to be held on Saturday morning (1.47am SA time).
Chane Vermeulen narrowly missed out again, finishing third in her 200m semifinal in 23.78 and crossing the line just 0.08 shy of a spot in the women’s final. Vermeulen had also missed out on a place in the 400m semifinals by 0.01.
Viwe Jingqi, who was fifth in the women’s 100m final, withdrew ahead of the 200m heats.
In the men’s long jump qualifying round, Temoso Masikane made sure with his second attempt, landing at 7.87 metres.
Masikane sailed beyond the automatic qualifying mark of 7.75m, and he will be back in action in the final at 12.20am on Saturday morning.
After three days of competition in Lima, the SA team were lying second in the overall table with four medals (two gold, one silver and one bronze).