South African Pair Win World Relay Gold by Just 0.10 Seconds

Photo Credit: Coral Communications - Supplied

Nine-year-old Karlo Marais and ten-year-old Misha Meyer claimed the under-11 mixed triathle title in Madeira, adding gold to the silver they won earlier in the week.

Madeira, Portugal (30 October 2026) – South Africa’s Karlo Marais and Misha Meyer secured a world title in Madeira on Wednesday, with just one tenth of a second separating them from their Portuguese rivals in the under-11 mixed triathle relay.

The young pair crossed the finish line in 7:59.20 at the UIPM 2026 World Championships in Funchal, narrowly beating Portugal’s Gabriel Ferreira and Maria Francisca Serrano, who finished in 7:59.30. Great Britain’s William Wiggans and Maddie Williams took bronze in 8:16.60.

The victory followed another podium finish for the South Africans on Monday, when they claimed silver in the under-11 mixed biathle relay. Their time of 8:27.40 placed them behind Great Britain’s Chester Bailey and Pippa Burge, while finishing ahead of the bronze medallists.

Photo Credit: Coral Communications – Supplied

Karlo, a Grade 3 learner at Curro Langebaan, is only nine and competing against athletes who are older than him in the under-11 category. His two medals in Madeira have added to an impressive week for the young athlete and his relay partner.

Getting to the championships was also a significant undertaking for Karlo and his family. After qualifying to represent South Africa, they needed to raise R108,000 to cover the trip.

His parents, local supporters, businesses and corporate sponsors helped make the journey possible, with support from CG Sport. Karlo left South Africa on 23 October and joined the rest of the competitors in Madeira.

The two events require athletes to demonstrate different skills. Biathle combines running and swimming, while triathle adds laser shooting to the competition, testing both physical endurance and accuracy.

The gold medal is the latest achievement in a week that has already brought them two world championship podium finishes. Their narrow victory over Portugal also gave South Africa another title to celebrate on the international stage.

The championships can be followed through the event’s official platform.