Gift Leotlela secured the biggest win of his career so far after holding off some of the world’s fastest sprinters.
Shanghai, China (18 May 2026) – Gift Leotlela announced himself in style at the opening Diamond League meeting of the season, sprinting to a victory in the men’s 100m in Shanghai/Keqiao on Saturday night.
In a race packed with some of the fastest names in world sprinting, the South African star edged out the field in a thrilling photo finish after the top three athletes crossed the line almost together. When the final times eventually flashed up, it was Leotlela who had done just enough, clocking 9.97 seconds to secure his first-ever Diamond League win.
The finish was so close that athletes were left looking across at the big screen, waiting for confirmation before celebrations could properly begin.
Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala finished second in 9.98, while American sprinter Kenny Bednarek also crossed in 9.98 to complete the podium in an incredibly tight contest.
The field itself was stacked. USA’s Trayvon Bromell and Australian rising star Lachlan Kennedy both ran 10.01, while fellow South African Akani Simbine crossed sixth in 10.05. Botswana Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo also featured in the race as part of his early-season sprint programme.
But on the night, it was Leotlela who stole the spotlight.
Already carrying a personal best of 9.87 into the meeting and with multiple legal sub-10-second performances under his belt, the South African looked composed throughout the race despite not getting the cleanest start off the blocks.
“It means a lot to win my first-ever Diamond League. 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.”
The sprinter also explained that he deliberately tried not to focus too much on the clock during the race itself.
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The result gives him plenty of momentum heading deeper into the 2026 season, with major targets still ahead, including the Commonwealth Games and the Ultimate Championships later this year.
And judging by this performance, Leotlela looks more than ready for what could be a massive year on the track.
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