Curro Hazeldean relay team breaks world record
11 October 2024Curro Hazeldean’s athletes made history at the North West University Top 30 Athletics Meeting in Potchefstroom on 11 October 2024, with an unforgettable performance that will be remembered as one of Curro’s proudest sporting moments. The Boys U18 4x100m relay team – comprised of Inam Dlunge, Zattu Hlongwane, Adam Motloung, and Matodzi Ndou – set a new world record, running the fastest time ever recorded by a youth relay team, clocking an incredible 39.92 seconds.
A year of record-breaking achievements
This achievement caps off an exceptional year for Curro Hazeldean, which has seen its athletes excel on both the national and international stages. Notably, Bayanda Walaza became South Africa’s first Olympic schoolboy medallist, while Matodzi Ndou set a new SA U18 110m hurdles record just last month.
‘What makes the relay team’s world record so much more remarkable is that this type of record is normally held by national teams. Now, a school team from Curro has done it,’ said Pierre le Roux, Curro Hazeldean’s Executive Head.
The impact of exceptional coaching
The team’s success can in part be attributed to the dedication of their coach, Thabo Matebedi, who also guided Bayanda to his Olympic relay success and a sprint double at the World Athletics Junior Championships. Thabo explained, ‘We set our goal to run a world record and give the boys the gift of leaving school with amazing memories. It helps to have athletes like Bayanda and Matodzi at Curro – they motivate others to excel.’
A culture of excellence
Living and training together in the school’s boarding facility, even during holidays, played a crucial role in the relay team’s success. The athletes’ bond, built on daily practice and mutual support, provided the perfect stage to break a world record.
Cobus Loubser, Curro CEO, noted, ‘Nurturing exceptional talent with top coaches like Thabo is part of our broader vision to establish Curro Hazeldean as the best athletics school in the country. The Hazeldean team’s success is a testament to this commitment. We continue to invest in young talent, and the results have been astonishing.’