Wrapping up a spectacular season, junior sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza delivered a historic performance in the early hours of Saturday morning (SA time), raking in South Africa’s fifth medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Peru.
Walaza, who won gold in the 100m event two days earlier, added the 200m title by storming to victory in the final in 20.52 seconds. He held off a challenge from Australian athlete Gaut Gaut who settled for silver in 20.60.
The 18-year-old South African became the first athlete to win the men’s 100m/200m double at the global junior championships since British athlete Christian Malcolm achieved the feat in 1998.
Having also secured a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the recent Paralympics, Walaza closed out an incredible 2024 season.
Meanwhile, in the men’s long jump final in Lima, Temoso Masikane put up a fight but ultimately settled for fourth place with a 7.74m leap.
Roko Farkas of Croatia was the only athlete in the field to clear the eight-metre mark, winning gold with a best jump of 8.17m.
In other finals, Tshepang Dankuru finished seventh in the men’s high jump (2.08m), while compatriot Luke van der Merwe ended 11th (2.04m), and Alicia Khunou was ninth in the women’s shot put (14.68m).
Earlier on day four, Njabulo Mbatha won his 400m hurdles semifinal in 49.90, coasting into the final to be held on Saturday night.
Hannah van Niekerk also progressed to the women’s 400m hurdles final, finishing third in her semifinal in 57.41, though 17-year-old compatriot Tumi Ramokgopa (also third in her semifinal in 57.96) narrowly missed out.
Juan Marais launched a 61.54m heave in the qualifying round of the men’s discus throw, and Michael Badenhorst delivered a personal best of 60.09m, with both athletes earning spots in the final.
The SA men’s 4x400m relay team – Bryan Katoo, Sihle Mahlangu, Kryn Romijn and Udeme Okon – finished second in their heat in 3:08.84. They will be back on the track for the medal battle on Saturday’s final day of competition.
None of the other national relay teams were able to progress to their respective finals.
With one day of competition remaining at the World Athletics U20 Championships, the SA team were lying fourth in the overall standings with five medals (three gold, one silver and one bronze).
Schedule of SA athletes, day five (Saturday 31 August)
11pm – discus throw men, final (Juan Marais, Michael Badenhorst)
11.35pm – 400m hurdles women, final (Hannah van Niekerk)
11.45pm – 400m hurdles men, final (Njabulo Mbatha)
1.10am – 1500m men, final (Johannes Morepe)
1.45am – 4x400m relay men, final (SA team)
