Tag: Athletics

‹ Back

Comrades 2026: Kusche and Steyn rewrite history and win millions

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Comrades 2026: Kusche and Steyn rewrite history and win millions
By Adnaan Mohamed

PIETERMARITZBURG – George Kusche and Gerda Steyn delivered one of the most remarkable days in Comrades Marathon history on Sunday, smashing long-standing Up Run records and each walking away with more than R2.3 million in prize money and incentive bonuses.

On a shortened 85.777km route, the fastest in recorded Up Run history, expectations of rapid times proved well founded as both champions produced performances that rewrote the record books.

Kusche stormed to victory in 5:15:56, obliterating the previous men’s Up Run record of 5:24:49 set by Leonid Shvetsov in 2008. His average pace of 3:40.99 per kilometre also eclipsed Vladimir Kotov’s long-standing benchmark for the best average pace.

Dutch defending champion Piet Wiersma finished second in 5:19:36, with South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo taking third in 5:21:31 after leading for much of the race. Great Britain’s Alex Milne and Japan’s Haruki Okayama also dipped beneath the previous course record, underlining the extraordinary pace of the contest.

For Kusche, the victory only became real at the finish line.

George Kusche stormed to victory and obliterated the previous men’s Up Run record and set a new benchmark for the best average pace.

“I honestly didn’t believe I was going to win until I crossed the finish line. Comrades is extremely hard mentally, and there was no way I could know that they were not going to catch me, so I pushed as hard as I could and hoped that nobody would pass me.”

The South African, who finished 12th on debut a year ago, made his decisive move after Mollo began to struggle late in the race and never looked back.

“Comrades is a nerve-wrecking experience. This past week it was very hard to think about anything except the Comrades, and I’m very grateful that everything worked out as planned. It’s a bit of a gamble by going out early, but luckily it paid off this time around,” he said.

Steyn was equally dominant in the women’s race, clocking 5:44:53 to improve on the Up Run record she established in 2024. She also lowered her own best average pace mark while securing a fifth Comrades title, made up of three Up Run victories and two Down Run triumphs.

“It is an honour to come away with another Comrades Marathon win and a new course record. It’s what I have been dreaming of and working for since the start of the year,” Steyn said.

“I ran this Comrades as if it was my last race, but after crossing the finish line I already know it was far from my last. I can’t imagine my life without this race and I’m already looking forward to the 2027 centenary edition.”

Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Tshuma claimed second in 5:53:36 after overcoming significant personal sacrifices during her preparation, while South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl completed the podium in 6:02:30.

The record-breaking performances also produced record-breaking rewards.

Kusche and Steyn each earned R2.322 million through victory prize money, the Cell C top-up, first South African incentives, Up Run record bonuses and the Cell C average pace incentive.

Comrades Marathon Association general manager Alain Dalais described the event as an outstanding rehearsal for next year’s centenary edition.

“We are incredibly proud of the 2026 race and our two record-breaking winners. George Kusche lived up to the pre-race expectation by shattering the men’s Up Run record, while Gerda Steyn joined some of the most illustrious legends of this great race with five wins.

“It was a fantastic elite race with record-breaking performances and a truly fitting spectacle for the 50th edition of the Up Run.”

Results of the 2026 Comrades Marathon

Top 10 Men
1 George Kusche              Nedbank Running Club GN                         South Africa                            5:15:56
2 Piet Wiersma                 Nedbank Running Club International           Netherlands                              5:19:36
3 Mbuti Mollo                  Maxed Elite KZN                                          South Africa                             5:21:31
4 Alex Milne                    Nedbank Running Club International           Great Britain                             5:22:29
5 Haruki Okayama           Nedbank Running Club International           Japan                                      5:24:46
6 Charles Lawrence          adidas                                                           United States of America         5:27:08
7 Lloyd Bosman               Nedbank Running Club SWD                      South Africa                             5:28:53
8 Nikolai Volkov               Nedbank Running Club International          ANA                                         5:28:59
9 Vasilii Korytkin             Kemerovo Runners                                      ANA                                         5:29:29
10 Tebogo Pulusa             Dwarsrivier Mine Athletic Club                   South Africa                             5:29:40

Top 10 Women
1 Gerda Steyn                   Hollywood Athletic Club CGA                      South Africa 5:44:53
2 Nobukhosi Tshuma        Entsika                                                         Zimbabwe 5:53:36
3 Irvette van Zyl                Hollywood Athletic Club CGA                      South Africa 6:02:30
4 Shelmith Muruiki           Entsika                                                         Kenya 6:06:38
5 Naomi Robinson            Nedbank Running Club International Great Britain 6:07:55
6 Loveness Madziva         Nedbank Running Club Zimbabwe Zimbabwe 6:09:54
7 Courtney Olsen             Hollywood Athletic Club International          United States of America 6:11:20
8 Dikiledi Majara             Nedbank Running Club AFS                       Lesotho 6:12:29
9 Jenet Mbhele                 Umzimkhulu Striders                                    South Africa 6:13:08
10 Carla Molinaro             Hollywood Athletic Club International        Great Britain 6:14:04

Cape Town races into history as Africa’s first Marathon Major

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Cape Town races into history as Africa’s first Marathon Major
By Adnaan Mohamed

Cape Town has crossed a finish line decades in the making.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially become the first Abbott World Marathon Major on African soil after passing the second and final stage of its assessment process, securing its place among the sport’s most prestigious races.

From 2027, Cape Town will stand alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York in what has long been marathon running’s most exclusive club, a landmark moment for a continent that has produced generations of distance-running greats.

CAPE TOWN MARATHON. 24 MAY 2026.

“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” said Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO Dawna Stone.

“After watching the race grow in size and stature during its candidacy and also seeing the resilience and dedication of the team lead so wonderfully by Clark Gardner, Africa’s first Major has finally arrived. The unique culture, the welcome from the people of the city and the wonderful setting Cape Town provides will bring a whole new dimension to our series. I know runners in Africa and across the world will have a phenomenal experience at this race.”

The announcement marks the culmination of years of planning and community support, with organisers repeatedly highlighting the role played by runners, volunteers, clubs, sponsors and city partners in helping the event meet the demanding criteria.

“This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision,” said race director and CEO Clark Gardner.

“We could never have reached this moment alone. Our runners carried us to the numbers we needed, our sponsors and partners stood firm beside us even when the 2025 race could not go ahead, and our supporters, club captains, residents and service providers each played their part. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands as proof that when Africa comes together, we can achieve anything. This victory belongs to all of them.”

The significance stretches far beyond one city or one race.

For years, African athletes have dominated the global marathon scene while many recreational runners faced the financial burden of travelling overseas to experience a Major. Cape Town’s elevation changes that equation, with organisers committing to keeping two-thirds of race entries available to African participants.

Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty described the announcement as “a collective victory”.

“For 13 years, Sanlam has been part of this journey, walking alongside the event as a committed partner and supporting its growth into a world-class platform. We hope this moment inspires people across Africa to dream bigger, go further and live with confidence.”

The event also carries significant economic value, with projections suggesting it could contribute around R800 million through tourism, accommodation and related spending.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. Image Fahwaaz Cornelius

“For Cape Town to be the home of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is an incredible moment for our city,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“Achieving this milestone will contribute greatly to Cape Town’s economy, inspire future generations of runners, and leave a legacy for the sport across Africa.”

For a continent that has long supplied many of marathon running’s brightest stars, the road has finally curved home. Africa is no longer chasing the world’s biggest races. It now hosts one.

Fastest marathon on African soil run in Cape Town

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Fastest marathon on African soil run in Cape Town
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon delivered a landmark moment for African road running on Sunday as Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa produced the fastest marathon ever run on African soil in a record-shattering performance through the streets of the Mother City.

Esa stormed to victory in 2:04:55, obliterating the previous course record of 2:08:16 set by fellow Ethiopian Abdisa Tola in 2024.

Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia won the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in a new course record 2:04:55, which is the fastest time ever run on African soil. Image: Fahwaaz Cornelius

His time also eclipsed the previous fastest marathon run on the continent, the 2:06:32 recorded by Morocco’s Hicham Laqouahi in 2020, while establishing a new South African All-Comers record.

The performance strengthened the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon growing bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors, placing it alongside iconic marathons in London, New York, Berlin and Tokyo.

One of the key requirements for Major status is a world-class elite and wheelchair field. The 2026 edition delivered exactly that and the athletes responded by rewriting the record books.

Esa arrived in Cape Town with the quickest season-best in the field after clocking 2:04:49 in the 2025 Chicago Marathon, and delivered on that form with a decisive late surge.

He broke away from a leading pack of four inside the final three kilometres before pulling clear again in the closing stages.

The depth of the elite field underlined the quality of the race, with the first 10 runners all finishing quicker than the previous course record.

“To be honest, I was not thinking about the course record today, because my target was to win the race in my African homeland,” said Esa.

“So the win was the priority, and I was not targeting the course record, but I am really happy that I could do both today.”

Fellow Ethiopian Yihunilign Adane finished second in 2:04:59, while Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai completed the podium in 2:05:06.

South African veteran Stephen Mokoka was the leading local athlete in 13th place in 2:10:48.

He was followed by Matlakala Bennet Seloyi, who clocked a personal best 2:12:17, while debutant Anthony Timoteus impressed with 2:13:04 in his first marathon.

Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge finished 16th in 2:13:29.

The Ethiopian later waited at the finish line to welcome fellow runners home, including marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who finished 16th in 2:13:29.

“Eliud is my role model, and I love and respect him so much,” Esa said.

“I wanted to show the world that we are the same family of African runners.”

In the women’s race, Ethiopia completed a clean sweep of the podium positions.

The top 3 women in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, from left, Mestawut Fikir (Ethiopia, second), Dera Dida Yami (Ethiopia, winner), and Waganesh Amare (Kenya, third). Image: Fahwaaz Cornelius

Dera Dida Yami claimed victory in 2:23:18, narrowly missing the course record of 2:22:22 set by South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba in 2024.

“I came here to win the race and that was my goal,” Dida said.

“But I’ll be very happy to come back here and try to break the course record next year.”

She also revealed that Tamirat Tola already plans to race in Cape Town next year after missing this year’s event following his London Marathon campaign.

Mestawut Fikir crossed second in 2:23:46, with Waganesh Amare third in 2:23:57.

Former women’s world champion Edna Kiplagat finished fifth in 2:25:44 at the age of 46.

South Africa’s top finisher was Mia Morrison, who placed 15th in 2:49:52.

WHEELCHAIR RECORDS SHATTERED

The wheelchair races also produced two course records.

Great Britain’s David Weir won the men’s race in 1:30:20 to better the previous mark of 1:32:09 set in 2023.

“The atmosphere was amazing with the crowd, and the weather was good as well,” said Weir.

“I didn’t plan to go for the record today, it was one of those things.”

David Weir
Manuela Schär

Switzerland’s Manuela Schär dominated the women’s race in 1:43:25, smashing the previous course record of 1:52:58.

“I’ve done all the Majors around the world, and this is definitely one of my favourites,” Schär said.

“The crowd was amazing, and then the view… you have the ocean and Table Mountain. It was beautiful.”

The latest edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon comes at a crucial stage in the event’s bid to become part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, strengthening its growing reputation as Africa’s leading marathon.

Kipchoge, Ethiopian stars headline record chase at Cape Town Marathon

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Kipchoge, Ethiopian stars headline record chase at Cape Town Marathon
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is poised for a potentially historic Sunday as one of the deepest elite fields ever assembled on African soil prepares to attack the record books beneath Table Mountain.

The 32nd edition of the race has attracted 27,000 marathon runners and a combined total of 44,500 participants across the weekend’s events, while the elite field carries enough firepower to threaten both course records.

In the men’s race, 13 athletes have already run faster than the current course mark of 2:08:16 set by Abdisa Tola in 2024. Ten of them have dipped beneath that time within the last year.

Leading the charge is marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion and former world record-holder, whose personal best of 2:01:09 makes him the fastest athlete in the field historically.

Although now 41, Kipchoge remains a formidable contender after clocking 2:05:25 in London last year.

Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa enters with arguably the sharpest recent form after posting 2:04:49 in Chicago in 2025, while Israel’s Maru Teferi arrives with a personal best of 2:04:44.

Mohamed Esa

Kenya’s Benard Kipkurui Biwott and Justus Kangogo, alongside Ethiopians Yihunilign Adane, Mulugeta Asefa Uma and Boki Kebede Asefa, add further depth to a field packed with sub-2:06 runners.

Another major contender is Adane Gebre Kebede, who won in Cape Town in 2023 and finished runner-up in 2024. His recent 2:06:16 in Houston suggests he could again feature prominently.

South Africa’s hopes will largely rest with three-time champion Stephen Mokoka, alongside Desmond Mokgobu, Bennet Seloyi and debutant Anthony Timoteus.

The women’s race also promises fireworks.

South African star Glenrose Xaba set the course record of 2:22:22 in 2024, producing the fastest women’s marathon ever run on African soil. This year’s elite lineup includes five women who have already run faster than 2:20.

Ethiopian trio Ruti Aga, Dera Dida and Mestawat Fikir are expected to spearhead the challenge. Aga owns a 2:18:09 best, while Dida and Fikir have clocked 2:18:32 and 2:18:48 respectively.

Edna Kiplagat

Experienced campaigners Lonah Salpeter and Edna Kiplagat add further quality to the field. Salpeter remains the fastest woman in the race historically with her 2:17:45 Tokyo victory in 2020, while two-time world champion Kiplagat continues to compete at elite level at 47.

“We have assembled the best marathon elite and wheelchair fields the African continent has ever seen, led by the best marathon runner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge,” said Clark Gardner.

“With so many starters who have run faster times than our course records, we feel confident that the record books will need updating after this year’s race.”

The race also represents another significant milestone in Cape Town’s bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors event, alongside marathons in New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney and London.

Featured Photo Credit: Kevin Peters

SA’s Gift Leotlela shines bright like a Diamond in Shanghai opener

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on SA’s Gift Leotlela shines bright like a Diamond in Shanghai opener
Adnaan Mohamed

South African sprinter Gift Leotlela produced a major statement at the opening meeting of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League season after storming to victory in the men’s 100m in Shanghai on Saturday.

Leotlela clocked 9.97 seconds in a race decided by the narrowest of margins, with the top three separated by hundredths of a second in a dramatic photo finish.

Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala took second in 9.98 after being added late to the field, while American sprinter Kenny Bednarek matched that time for third place.

It marked the first Diamond League victory of Leotlela’s career and continued a strong rise for the South African, who carried a personal best of 9.87 into the meeting.

“It means a lot to win my first-ever Diamond League,” Leotlela said afterwards.

“It is a first time in China for me, so to finish number one was a great feeling. I wanted to come here and enjoy myself and make a good start to the season.”

Leotlela said he focused more on execution than the clock in a field packed with proven international performers.

“I knew I am in great shape, but I didn’t want to think about time, just focus on my race. I had a decent start, not great. I just tried to keep my composure, stay in my rhythm and stay strong.”

The performance will strengthen belief that Leotlela can challenge consistently on the global stage this season, particularly with major championships looming later in the year.

“The main goal for me in 2026 is to win the Commonwealth Games and then on to the Ultimate Championships at the end of the season,” he said.

South Africa’s Akani Simbine finished sixth in 10.05, while Botswana Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo crossed seventh in 10.12 after balancing 100m and 400m races earlier this season.

The 2026 Wanda Diamond League season continues in Xiamen on 23 May before travelling to stops including Rome, Paris, London and Zurich ahead of the final in Brussels on 4 and 5 September 2026.

2026 Wanda Diamond League Fixtures

  • May 23: Xiamen
  • May 31: Rabat
  • June 4: Rome
  • June 7: Stockholm
  • June 10: Oslo
  • June 19: Doha
  • June 28: Paris
  • July 4: Eugene
  • July 10: Monaco
  • July 18: London
  • August 21: Lausanne
  • August 23: Silesia
  • August 27: Zurich
  • September 4–5: Brussels (Final)

Source: diamondleague.com/

Faith Cherono targets sub 30 personal best in Cape Town 10K

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Faith Cherono targets sub 30 personal best in Cape Town 10K

Kenya’s Faith Cherono will line up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on 10 May with a clear objective, to test her limits against the clock on one of the country’s fastest courses.

The 27-year-old made a strong impression on her South African debut at the Gqeberha leg of the series in March, finishing second in 30:44, the second fastest time of her career.

“It was a good experience and a nice event,” Cherono said. “I was happy to join South African athletes and also athletes from all around the world. I felt at home – welcomed, supported.”

Her performance in Gqeberha confirmed her form early in the season and placed her among the leading contenders for the Cape Town race, where a deep elite field is expected.

Cherono indicated that her preparations have progressed without disruption in the build-up to the race.

“Training is going well. No issues. I am motivated and building one brick at the time. I will miss Brenda, who is very strong. So I hope to have other strong competitors to help and share the load.”

Her training partner and compatriot Brenda Jepchirchir, who won in Gqeberha, will not compete in Cape Town. That absence could leave Cherono to take on a more prominent role in dictating the pace.

Despite the competitive field, Cherono’s primary focus remains on achieving a fast time rather than racing for position.

“I am aiming to run a PB and will do my best to push to the limit,” she said. “I am more interested in running a fast time than trying to win the race or make the podium. My plan is to focus on the time and I’m willing to take the risk.”

Cherono holds a lifetime best of 30:06, and a performance below that mark would not only represent a personal milestone but could also place her within reach of the South African All-Comers record. A sub-30-minute performance, while ambitious, would mark a significant achievement on the African continent.

Race organiser Michael Meyer welcomed Cherono’s return, noting the importance of attracting international athletes of her calibre.

“We are excited to welcome Faith Cherono to the start line of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” Meyer said. “Her entry adds real depth and international quality to the women’s field and further strengthens what is shaping up to be a world-class race in the Mother City.”

The race will start on Marine Drive in Milnerton and finish in the Cape Town CBD, with conditions traditionally favourable for fast times.

With a competitive field assembled and pacing likely to be aggressive from the outset, attention will centre on whether Cherono can convert her intent into a breakthrough performance.

Websites:  www.runyourcityseries.com

Gift blazes to personal best as Team SA set relay record in Tokyo

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Gift blazes to personal best as Team SA set relay record in Tokyo

Gift Leotlela got South Africa’s campaign at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo off to a speedy start on Saturday, blazing to a new personal best time in the 100m heats and booking a place in Sunday’s semifinal. By Karien Jonckheere

The 27-year-old has struggled with injury throughout his career, and even in the buildup to these championships, struggled with a tendon issue behind his knee. But there was no sign of that as he tore down the Tokyo track, finishing in 9.87 seconds to record the fastest time of the night – something he admitted afterwards, he wasn’t specifically targeting.

“I was just focused on executing my race and focusing on myself, and it came so I was really happy with that,” said Gift afterwards.

“It felt really good. I haven’t been putting my races together this season, so I actually put it together and everything clicked, the body was feeling good, and it was really a good run.”

Also comfortably through to the semifinals was a confident-looking Akani Simbine, who won the final heat of the night in 10.02 seconds.

“Very comfortable, very controlled. I think today was just about getting into the stadium and feeling the energy, and also controlling the race and controlling the pace of the race,” said Akani. “I think that was the whole plan – not spending too much energy today so that tomorrow I have a full tank to go into the semifinals and the final.”

Earlier in the day, the South African quartet of Gardeo Isaacs, Miranda Coetzee, Leendert Koekemoer and Zenéy van der Walt combined to set a new national and continental record in the 4x400m mixed relay. They finished third in their heat in 3 minutes 11.16 seconds to not only set the new mark, but also book a place in the final later in the evening.

“We were very happy. Our main goal was just to get into that final and running an area record is just a bonus,” said Zenéy afterwards. Speaking about his impressive leg of 44.14 seconds, 18-year-old Leendert added: “I basically just stuck to my race. I ran my own race, didn’t focus on other people and then when I executed what my style fits, it all worked out at the end.”

Just one race later, the Kenyan team eclipsed the new record in their heat, but the time didn’t stand as they were disqualified for a lane infringement.

Later in the final, Coetzee was replaced by Shirley Nekhubui in the SA team, who finished in sixth spot in a time of 3:11.89 while the United States took the gold in a championship record of 3:08.80.

How Team South Africa Performed On Monday

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on How Team South Africa Performed On Monday

Monday’s events were primarily at the Stade de France, where athletics took the spotlight for Team SA.

Team SA began the day with four medals: Tatjana Smith (one gold and one silver), the men’s sevens rugby team (bronze), and Alan Hatherly (bronze).

Prudence Sekgodiso finished eighth in the 800m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday night with a time of 1:58.79.

Wayde van Niekerk and Shaun Maswangani both secured third place in their respective 200m heats, advancing directly to the semi-finals. However, Benjamin Richardson suffered a leg injury during his heat, though he still recorded a time that keeps him in contention for the repechage, provided he is fit to compete.

Athletics:

Men’s discus throw qualification (Group A) 
Francois Prinsloo finished 13th in his qualification round. His distance was, however, outside the required overall top 12 distances to qualify for the Final.

Men’s discus throw qualification (Group B)
Victor Hogan also finished 13th in his qualification round. His distance, too, was outside the required overall top 12 distances to qualify for the Final.

Men’s 400m Repechage Round (Heat 2) 
Lythe Pillay finished first in his heat of the Repechage round, qualifying automatically for the Semi Final on Tuesday, 6 August.

Men’s 400m Repechage Round (Heat 3)
Zakithi Nene won his heat of the Repechage round to automatically qualify for the Semi Final on Tuesday, 6 August.

Women’s 400m Round 1
Miranda Coetzee finished 4th in her heat, which was outside the automatic qualification for the Semi Final. She still has an opportunity to qualify from the Repechage round on Tuesday, 6 August.

Men’s 200m Round 1 (Heat 1)
Wayde van Niekerk finished third in his heat, achieving automatic qualification for the Semi Final on Wednesday, 7 August.

Men’s 200m Round 1 (Heat 3)
Benjamin Richardson suffered an injury in the final stretch of the race and was not able to achieve the standard to qualify automatically for the Semi Final. He still has the opportunity to participate in the Repechage round to qualify for the Semi Final.

Men’s 200m Round 1 (Heat 5)
Shaun Maswanganyi finished third in his heat, achieving automatic qualification for the Semi Final on Wednesday, 7 August.

Women’s 8 00m Final
The main highlight from a South African perspective was Prudence Sekgodiso, who was seen as a potential medal contender for Team SA. Unfortunately, she finished eighth in the 800m final, crossing the line in 1:58.79 after visibly tiring in the last 50 meters. The gold was claimed by Keely Hodgkinson with a time of 1:56.72. Despite the result, Sekgodiso’s performance at her first Olympics demonstrated that she belongs at this level, showing promise for the 2028 Games.

During the race, Sekgodiso was forced wide early on and positioned herself in fourth alongside Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma. She stayed with the leaders, but was kept wide on the far turn, ultimately losing pace in the final straight. Reflecting on the race, she said, “The plan was to stick with the girls for as long as I could. I know I’m not good in the final 100m and when I saw the girls coming past me, I thought I must just keep my head up and keep going. I’m so happy I made the final, it means a lot to me.”

She also shared her struggles with recovery, mentioning that the demanding schedule of three races in three days was tough, requiring her to take sleeping pills to rest. These Olympics have taught her valuable lessons about racing and recovery, which will benefit her in future competitions.

Sport Climbing: 
Men’s boulder & lead, Semi Final Boulder
Mel Janse van Rensburg finished tied for 19th in the competition, unfortunately not making the required top 8 to qualify for the Semi Final.

Women’s Speed, Qualification Seeding Heats
Aniya Holder managed to achieve her Personal Best time of 9.12 seconds in the qualification heats. Her time in the elimination heats was, unfortunately, not good enough to secure passage to the next round.

Team South Africa’s Sunday Results

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Team South Africa’s Sunday Results

Sunday was a busy day for Team SA, featuring events in athletics, cycling, and golf.  Star sprinter Akani Simbine reached the final of the men’s 100m when he won his semi-final in an impressive 9.87sec, He then went even faster for a lifetime best 9.82, but had to settle for fourth, for the second successive Games.

Athletics:
Men’s 100m, Semi Finals & Final
South African sprinter Akani Simbine reached the men’s 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning his semi-final with an impressive time of 9.87 seconds. In the final, he achieved a personal best of 9.82 seconds, finishing fourth for the second consecutive Games. Simbine had been the fifth fastest qualifier after his semi-final win and a recent 9.86-second run in London. He had predicted that a sub-9.80 time would be necessary to win gold. 

Long Jump Qualification:
Jovan van Vuuren’s leap of 7.70m was unfortunately not enough to be in the top 12 distances to qualify for the next round. Cheswill Johnson was also not able to get through to the next round, with a jump of 4.49m.

Women’s 400m Hurdles – Round 1
Rogail Joseph ran a personal best time in her heat, finishing 2nd. She automatically qualifies for the semi-final on Tuesday, 6 August.

Zeney Geldenhuys finished third in her heat, achieving automatic qualification for the semi-final on Tuesday, 6 August..

Men’s 400m Round 1
Lythe Pillay finished his race in 7th position, which was not enough for automatic qualification for the semi-final. He will run in the repechage race on Monday, 5 August.

Zakhiti Nene finished 4th in his race, which was one position outside of the automatic qualification for the semi-final.
He too will be running in the repechage race on Monday, 5 August.

Men’s 100m Semi Finals
Shaun Maswanganyi finished 5th in his semi-final heat, achieving a season-best time. However, his position and time were not good enough to qualify for the final.

Benjamin Richardson ran a time below 10 seconds, clinching 3rd position. His position and time were also not enough for him to qualify for the final.

Women’s 800m Semi Final
Prudence Sekgodiso finished 2nd in her heat, gaining automatic qualification for the final. The final will be run on Monday, 5 August.

Golf: Individual Stroke Play – Round 4
Final results: Christiaan Bezuidenhout finished in 16th position overall on 10 under par, shooting -2 on the final day. Erik van Rooyen finished in 17th position on 9 under par, shooting -1 on Sunday. Eventual winner, Scottie Scheffler, finished at -19, shooting -9 on the day.

Cycling: Women’s Road Race
Ashleigh Moolman Pasio finished the race in 33rd position, while Tiffany Keep did not manage to finish the race.

How Team South Africa Performed on Saturday

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on How Team South Africa Performed on Saturday

It was a busy day for Team SA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Golf: Individual Stroke Play – Round 3
Scores after Round 3: Christiaan Bezuidenhout Tied 13th (-8) shot 7 under par (64) today; and Eric van Rooyen Tied 13th (-8) shot 2 under par (69) on Day 3. Overall leaders at -14

Rowing: Women’s Single Sculls Final C
Paige Badenhorst finished 2nd in her C Final race. The result sees her
finishing 14th overall, out of 32 entrants in the competition

Cycling: Men’s Road Race
Ryan Gibbons finished the gruelling race in 69th position.

Athletics: 
Men’s 100m, round 1, heats
Shaun Maswanganyi finished 3rd in his heat, managing to qualify for the Semi Final.
The Semi Final races will be run on Sunday, 4 August.

Men’s 100m, round 1, heats
Although Benjamin Richardson only managed a 4th place finish in his heat – and not achieving automatic qualification to the Semi Final; his time was good enough for a Semi Final berth.

Men’s 100m, round 1, heats
Akani Simbine was first in his heat, gaining automatic qualification for
the Semi Final race on Sunday, 4 August.

Men’s 1500m, Repechage:
Tshepo Tshite finished 4th in his Repechage heat, narrowly missing out
on automatic qualification for the Semi Final by a single position.

Men’s 1500m, Repechage:
Ryan Mphahlele finished 11th in his heat, having run at the front of all
the chasers for the majority of the race. His 11th place does not grant
him the opportunity to run in the Semi Final.

Hockey: Pool B, South Africa vs United States of America
Team South Africa’s women’s hockey team finished their Paris 2024 journey with a 1 – 0 loss against Team USA.