Bayanda Walaza, born on February 9, 2006, in Katlehong, Gauteng, has quickly risen to prominence as one of South Africa’s most promising young sprinters.
His journey in athletics has been nothing short of remarkable, with a string of impressive achievements that have solidified his status as a rising star in the global sprinting scene.
Achievements
At just 18 years old, Walaza showcased his talent on the world stage during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he played a crucial role in securing a silver medal for South Africa in the 4x100m relay, becoming the first schoolboy to earn an Olympic medal in athletics for SA during his matric year at Curro Hazeldean.
His performance in Paris was a defining moment, marking his arrival as a serious competitor in international athletics.
However, his success did not stop there. Later last year, he went on to dominate the men’s short sprint events at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, where he outpaced his rivals to claim gold medals over both the 100m and 200m distances.
These victories further cemented his reputation as one of the fastest young sprinters in the world, becoming the first athlete to win the 100m/200m double at the global junior championships since 1998.
Last year he also set personal bests of 10.13 seconds in the 100m event and 20.34 in the 200m sprint, both achieved in Pretoria.
Education
Despite receiving offers from prestigious international universities eager to recruit him for their athletic programmes this year, Walaza made a bold and inspiring decision to remain in South Africa.
In January, he enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where he is currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management.
While he raised some eyebrows by selecting TUT rather than the University of Pretoria, he felt TUT was better suited to him.
“I’m excited to be part of an environment that values academic and athletic excellence. I am determined to move from good to great in both,” Walaza told the TUT website.
His choice to balance higher education with a demanding athletics career reflects not only his commitment to personal growth but also his dedication to contributing to South Africa’s sporting and academic landscape.
Recent achievements
Walaza opened his 2025 season with a rare appearance over the 400m distance.
And he continued to showcase his dominance on the track with an impressive victory in the men’s 60m sprint at the Curro Simbine Classic Shootout, held at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria on February 8 (the day after he turned 19).
Representing TUT, Walaza clinched first place with a swift time of 6.58 seconds, narrowly edging out his closest competitor, Tsebo Matsoso, who finished in 6.59 seconds.
“The race was nice for me as it was my first time running 60m. It was really great, you know, and I wish I could just repeat it again,” Walaza said.
This impressive win further solidified Walaza’s reputation as one of South Africa’s brightest young sprinting talents.
Known for his explosive starts and exceptional top-end speed, the 18-year-old continues to build momentum following his success at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the World Athletics U20 Championships, and he is expected to continue shining in his last season in the junior age group.
Future plans
With such consistent performances, Walaza remains a strong contender for future international competitions.
His ability to balance his academic commitments at TUT while excelling in athletics speaks volumes about his dedication and discipline.
South African athletics fans will be eager to see how he progresses in the upcoming season.
“I’m planning to run faster to qualify for the World Athletics Championships (in Tokyo in September) and also represent South Africa in the African U20 Championships (in Algeria),” he said.
Off track
Away from the track, Walaza has not only captured the attention of athletics enthusiasts but also major brands.
His growing influence has led to significant sponsorship deals, including a high-profile partnership with Huawei. This collaboration underscores the increasing intersection between sports and technology, positioning Walaza as more than just an athlete but also as a brand ambassador and an inspiration to young South Africans aspiring to excel in both sports and education.
From his humble beginnings in Katlehong to standing on the Olympic podium, Walaza’s story is a testament to perseverance, discipline, and unwavering ambition.
As he continues his journey, he remains a beacon of hope for the future of South African athletics, proving that success is not only measured by medals but also by the impact one leaves on the world.
* Featured image of Bayanda Walaza and Tsebo Matsoso by Cecilia van Bers
