Ahead of the competition, South African sprint star Akani Simbine had expressed how camaraderie is the key when it comes to relay success. His squad’s team spirit was on show in Guangzhou again on Sunday evening, as the world indoor 60m bronze medallist combined with Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile and Bradley Nkoana to run a world lead of 37.61 – just 0.04 off the African record South Africa set when securing Olympic silver in Paris.

“Once I got the baton and I saw that USA was in front of us, I just said to myself, ‘I need to catch the guy in front.” – Akani Simbine

They denied USA by just 0.05, with Olympic champions Canada finishing third this time in 38.11.

The 19-year-old Walaza, who claimed 100m and 200m gold at the World U20 Championships in Lima last year, got things started for South Africa – up against Courtney Lindsey for USA, Aaron Brown for Canada and Naoki Okami for Japan.

Walaza handed over to Dambile and Brown to Jerome Blake, while two-time Olympic and world 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek took over for USA.

Nkoana and Kyree King ran the third legs for South Africa and USA, respectively, and let go of the batons at the same time – leaving the race down to Simbine and Brandon Hicklin. While Simbine seemed a fraction back as they approached the finish line, he timed his lean to perfection.

“Once I got the baton and I saw that USA was in front of us, I just said to myself, ‘I need to catch the guy in front’,” said Simbine. “I knew I could do it, and I just chased him. I feed from chasing, I feed from being able to chase. So it’s really great to be able to be in that position and get through it and get to the line first.”
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h2>South Africa gains revenge in men’s 4x400m

Less than half an hour after winning the men’s 4x100m, South Africa notched up another victory, this time in the men’s 4x400m.

With memories still fresh of the men’s 4x400m at last year’s World Relays, South Africa went into Sunday’s final keen to avenge the defeat they suffered on that occasion at the hands of Botswana. Lee Bhekempilo Eppie gave Botswana an early lead on the first leg, handing over just ahead of Great Britain & NI.

By the half-way point, Botswana continued to lead but South Africa was close behind in second, thanks to a 44.24 leg from Udeme Okon. Leendert Koekemoer maintained South Africa’s pace on the third leg with an almost identical 44.23, which carried them into the lead towards the end of that stage with Botswana close behind.

Zakithi Nene then pulled clear on the last leg for South Africa and powered through the line in 2:57.50, smashing the national record they set when finishing fifth in the Olympic final last year. Behind him, 2024 world indoor champion Alexander Doom had navigated his way through the field with a late charge, taking second place in 2:58.19 while Botswana held on for third in 2:58.27.

Spain reigns in women’s 4x400m

Of all of the surprising performances by the Spanish team – and there were several – their victory in the women’s 4x400m final was perhaps the most unexpected. They did so with a stunning performance, smashing their national record by a second to win in 3:24.13.