Curro Hazeldean's Bayanda Walaza strikes gold at World Championships

30 August 2024

Curro Hazeldean’s pride, Bayanda Walaza, continues to make headlines on the world stage. After securing a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics just weeks ago, the 18-year-old sprinting prodigy has now captured not one but two gold medals at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru. Bayanda not only claimed victory in the 100m final with a time of 10.19 seconds, but he also went on to win the 200m final, further solidifying his status as the fastest teenager on the planet. His remarkable achievements have earned him the title of "Sprint King of Lima" by World Athletics.

Adding to the excitement, Curro Hazeldean alumni Tshepo Tyantini joined Bayanda and fellow Olympian Bradley Nkoana in the 4x100m relay heat, showcasing the school's remarkable contribution to South African athletics.

 

A triumphant performance

On Thursday night, Bayanda proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with, storming to victory in both the 100m and 200m finals. His gold in the 100m made him the first South African to win the U20 title in this event. The 200m victory further cemented his legacy, making him the first South African and only the second African to win both the 100m and 200m U20 titles. This achievement also broke a 26-year wait for South Africa to claim gold in both events at the World Athletics U20 Championship.

 

Photo credit: World athletics

 

Overcoming challenges

Bayanda’s journey to the final wasn’t without its challenges. In the semi-finals, he stumbled out of the blocks, finishing with a time of 10.33 seconds – far from his season’s best of 10.13. Despite this setback, his self-belief carried him through. ‘I had to trust myself,’ Bayanda said after the race. ‘There was a point where I was wondering if I would get to those gents ahead of me, but trusting myself and doing it is just unbelievable.’

 

Photo credit: World athletics

 

Bayanda and Tshepo’s extraordinary accomplishments on the track is a source of immense pride for Curro.

For more on Bayanda Walaza’s achievements at the Paris Olympics, read Curro Hazeldean’s Champion: Bayanda’s Historic Olympic Silver.