Gift Leotlela proved he’s back and very much in the mix for the national 4x100m relay team after storming to a first ever national 100m title on the opening day of the SA Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom on Thursday.
Leotlela burst onto the scene in 2021, running his first sub-10-second time and representing the country at the Tokyo Olympics, but has struggled to regain that form until now.
Defending champion Akani Simbine’s decision to forgo these championships to compete at the first Diamond League meet of the season in China, meant Thursday’s final was wide open, with world junior champion Bayanda Walaza and returning Olympic semifinalist Benji Richardson also vying for top honours.
In the end, it was Gift who dipped ahead of Bayanda on the line to win it in 9.99 seconds. Earlier in the day, he had run a wind-assisted time of 9.95 in the semifinal, giving a hint of what was to come. And he delivered when it mattered, beating Bayanda by just one- hundredth of a second, with Benji third in 10.05 seconds.
“I had no idea. I actually thought he [Bayanda] won. I thought he had nicked it,” said a thrilled Gift afterwards.
“I’m feeling a lot of emotions. I haven’t processed everything but all I know is that I am very happy that I got the win today,”
As for the prospect of being part of the SA relay team who will be looking for another global medal at the World Championships later this year, the 26-year-old added: “I think it’s good for South African sprinting to have a lot of guys running quick. It increases our chances of medalling at worlds and Olympics, so I’m available. If they want to pick me for the team, I’ll
be there.”
Meanwhile, the women’s 100m produced something of a surprise with Joviale Mbisha taking the title. Defending champion Viwe Jingqi withdrew from the semifinals as a precaution and Joviale made the most of her absence, claiming the win in 11.48 seconds. Gabriella Marais was second in 11.55 and 17-year-old Rumé Burger third in 11.58.
“Everyone can believe in you but if you don’t believe in yourself, it will never happen,” said Joviale afterwards. “I believe in myself and I told myself I’m going to be SA champ and that’s exactly what happened.”
As for Viwe missing out on the final, the Masters student added: “I definitely wish that she could have been in the final. I love a challenge and she’s really a phenomenal athlete so it would have been really nice to get the chance to run with her.”
Earlier in the afternoon, Glenrose Xaba cruised to a 10th senior national title on the track, winning the 5000m in 15 minutes 27.95 seconds. That saw her completing a dominant distance double after claiming the national 10,000m, which was contested in Cape Town at the start of the month.
“The race was good for me but I was a bit disappointed with the time. But I can’t complain because it’s a good time inland. So I’m looking forward to my track season overseas and doing better,” she said.
In the field events, Aiden Smith secured his first ever national title by claiming shot put gold. His effort of 20.31m may not have been a world-beating mark, but it was good enough to get the better of two-time Olympian and defending champion Kyle Blignaut who finished second with a throw of 20.07m.
“I’ve won the juniors a few times, but the seniors is just a different feeling, with the big guys, to get that title is an absolute privilege,” he said.
The SA Senior Track and Field Championships continue until Saturday.