The SA women’s 4x400m team delivered a standout performance by setting a new national record, as all four South African quartets delivered on Saturday, progressing to the finals at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China.
In the women’s 4x400m heats, Shirley Nekhubui, Hannah van Niekerk, Precious Molepo and Zeney Geldenhuys won their race in 3:28.01, finishing well clear of Germany, who took second place in 3:28.63.
Despite competing in wet conditions, the SA squad broke the national record of 3:28.30 which was set by Nekhubui, Geldenhuys, Hannah van Niekerk and Precious Molepo at the ASA Grand Prix meeting in Tshwane in March.
Other results
Meanwhile, the SA men’s 4x100m quartet – Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine – won their first-round heat in 37.84 seconds, setting the fastest time of the opening round (along with Japan, who also clocked 37.84).
In the men’s 4x400m heats, Mthi Mthimkulu, Udeme Okon, Lythe Pillay and Udeme Okon combined well to win their race in 3:00.00.
In the opening round of the mixed 4x400m event, Nekhubui, Geldenhuys, Tumisang Shezi and Leendert Koekemoer took second place in their heat in 3:13.79.
By reaching the finals, to be held on the second and final day of competition in Guangzhou on Sunday, all four South African teams qualified automatically for the World Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo in September.
Schedule of SA teams competing on Sunday (SA times)
3.03pm – 4x400m mixed, final
3.26pm – 4x100m men, final
3.36pm – 4x400m women, final
3.49pm – 4x400m men, final
* Featured image of Zeney Geldenhuys by Cecilia van Bers
