Bayanda Walaza Sprints Into History with World University Games Gold
- The 19-year-old Bayanda Walza blazed to victory in the men’s 100m final at the FISU Games in Germany, clocking an impressive 10.16 seconds
- Walaza became only the third South African ever to clinch the 100m gold at the World University Games
- Despite limited training and early race delays, Walaza’s determination and raw talent propelled him past fierce competitors
South African sprinter Bayanda Walaza has cemented his place among the country's elite athletes after winning gold in the men’s 100m race at the FISU World University Games in Germany.
Source: Getty Images
Bayanda, who won his second gold medal in the Under-20 World Athletics championships, becomes only the third South African to claim this prestigious title, joining the likes of icons Akani Simbine and Anaso Jobodwana.
Coming into the Games, Walaza had already turned heads with his consistent performances, breaking personal records and generating buzz as the next big name in sprinting.
Despite facing early setbacks, including race delays and false starts, the 19-year-old showed resilience and composure.
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How did Walaza perform?
In the final, Walaza stunned the field, clocking 10.16 seconds to edge out strong contenders such as Thailand’s Puripol Boonson and Japan’s Hiroki Yanagita, despite having had limited training ahead of the Games.
“It’s wonderful to say that I’m the fastest in all the universities around the world. It’s a great honour to be here and to win this… I arrived in Germany with not a lot of training under my belt, but I quickly convinced myself that I am a warrior and a fighter,” Bayanda Walaza told the SABC.
With his eyes now set on the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo and a full Diamond League season, Walaza’s star continues to rise, and the entire nation is taking notice.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa reacts with pride
@FaredaVandeKaap:
“Congrats #BayandaWalaza! Rising young SA Star!!”
@WayShembe:
“Superstar in the making. I hope the boy makes it big.”
@7a1th:
“Our boy Walaza peaked shem.”
@Family1Matters:
“We want Gout Gout, no else.”
Watch the video below:
@pastalj:
“Bayanda.”
@GrantAbroad:
“Congratulations, Bayanda Walaza, on winning the men’s 100m at the World University Games.”
@BhuddahTheThird:
“That gout kid always avoids our son of the soil.”
@SabeloMkabela:
“I believe he’ll get on the Olympic podium in the 100m in the coming years.”
See the tweet below:
@NYXLperfection:
“Azeem Relay Merchant Fahmi (still goat).”
@drSibandaPhil21:
“@TrackGazette, please include videos in your posts.”
@sizwesakithi1:
“Bravo!!! Well done, our compatriot.”
@ShudufhadzoB:
“Congratulations to Walaza.”
@Jubbitie:
“Nice.”
@JasonKhumalo3rd:
“To everyone who doubted his running form, including me. Let’s eat our humble.”
See the tweet below:
@1_yachty:
“Amazing… but how much more do we have to give as a country? Just imagine if we could unlock the full value of our human capital!”
@AneleT2:
“Our star.”
@Hubert34764280:
“Nice one, laaitie.”
@LastBarbaryLion:
“No DNA, just RSA.”
How much Simbine earned after beating Omanyala
Briefly News previously reported that South African sprint star Akani Simbine walked away with a huge amount of money after clocking a world-leading time of 9.90 seconds to defeat African champion Ferdinand Omanyala at the Botswana Continental Tour.
Simbine’s blistering performance marked the fastest 100m time globally so far this year, surpassing Bayanda Walaza’s 9.99s set last month.
Source: Briefly News
