South Africa proved they will be a powerful force at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as they stormed to the men’s 4x100m title at the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 on Sunday (11).
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.
Less than half an hour after winning the men’s 4x100m, South Africa notched up another victory, this time in the men’s 4x400m.
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.
While most of the relay tickets for Tokyo have now been secured, teams that missed out in Guangzhou do still have a chance to qualify. A further two World Championships places in each of the five disciplines will be awarded based on top lists during the qualification period (25 February 2024 to 24 August 2025).
The full 70 teams qualified for WCH Tokyo 25 in Guangzhou
Women’s 4x100m
Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Great Britain & NI, Italy, Jamaica, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, United States
Men’s 4x100m
Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain & NI, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Poland, South Africa, United States
Women’s 4x400m
Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain & NI, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United States
Men’s 4x400m
Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, China, France, Great Britain & NI, Jamaica, Kenya, Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, South Africa, United States
Mixed 4x400m
Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain & NI, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Poland, South Africa, Spain, United States
