Teenager sets new national record in 100m sprint
Check out this incredible moment as Bayanda Walaza became South Africa’s first junior runner to dip under 10 seconds over 100m.
In a standout sports moment this weekend, 19-year-old South African sprinter Bayanda Walaza made history as the ninth South African to complete the 100m in under 10 seconds, clocking an impressive 9.99 seconds.
Walaza already made a name for himself when he formed part of the 4x100m team that won Olympic silver in Paris last year, and now at the Gauteng North championships at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, he lowered the national under-20 mark with his stunning 100m sprint.
The U20 world 100m and 200m champion beat Gift Leotlela (10.17) and Emile Erasmus (10.26) to take the provincial title, and by clocking under the 10-second mark, he became only the seventh U20 athlete in history to break that milestone. He joined Botswana star Letsile Tebogo, the second-fastest at 9.91, in this elite group.
Walaza, who turned 19 in February, has again served notice that he is a superstar in the making.
Born and raised in Katlehong, Gauteng, Walaza has achieved exceptional success on the track field. His athletic career started to shine during his high school years, where he competed in national and international championships.
In 2024, he made history as the youngest South African to win an Olympic medal while still in high school, securing silver with the South African 4x100m relay team at the Paris Olympics.
Later that year, he dominated the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, claiming gold in both the 100m and 200m events.
Away from the track, he obtained a Bachelor’s pass at Curro Hazeldean high school, earning a distinction in IsiZulu. Walaza has now chosen to study at TUT despite offers from some internationally-based universities.
“TUT is not just a university, it is a community of champions. I’m excited to be part of an environment that values academic and athletic excellence. I am determined to move from good to great in both,” said Walaza.
TUT Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Vice-Chancellor and Principal said: “TUT is ready to help this indomitable South African athlete accomplish his loftiest academic dreams.”