South Africa: World’s new fastest runner’s search ends and it is a teenager. Bayanda Walaza, aged 18 has been recognised as world’s fastest sprinter and has set a new record by winning the Gold Medal in 100m race at the World Athletics U20 Championships with a time of 10.19 seconds, in Lima Peru.
Adding to his record, Walaza also won an Olympic Silver medal in the Men’s 4x100m Relay Race, at the Paris Olympics 2024. As of now he is a High School Student and pursuing his studies.
Pretoria’s young athlete, now has three medals to his name that he won at the Championships. Walaza’s countryman and Olympic Games relay teammate – Bradley Nkoana, won bronze in 10.26 seconds.
In Lima, Walaza did not denied his moment of stardom as his phenomenal start saw him take control of the race and held on to the finish line in 10.19s (-0.9m/s).
As per the sources, Puripol Boonson of Thailand came into the final knowing he would need an explosive start to challenge the top of the podium. Though he didn’t get out quickly enough to compete for the title, he maintained his composure to finish well and place second in 10.22s, gaining the first-ever medal for his nation at the World U20 Championships.
While pre-championship favourite and Walaza’s compatriot Bradley Nkoana settled for the bronze medal in 10.26s.
Walaza’s victory is a historic one as he became the first South African to win the 100m title in the history of the championship after Benji Richardson came close with a silver medal two years ago in Cali behind Botswana’s new speed icon Letsile Tebogo.
His achievement shows that the African nation is brewing new sets of sprinters to dominate the world years from now as their star sprinter Akani Simbine is close to retirement, but can trust his legacy will be passed on to exceptional youngsters.