South African student-athletes return to home soil after a top-10 finish and 19 proud podium moments.
Berlin, Germany (28 July 2025) – The curtain finally closed at 2025 FISU World University Games. Team South Africa has taken a bow with a well-deserved standing ovation after the incredible performance that wrapped up on Sunday in Germany. South Africa showed up and showed off, ending their campaign on a golden note. Finishing 7th overall with 19 medals: 6 gold, 5 silver, and 8 bronze. They stood proud as the only African country that made it in the Top 10.
While medals are always celebrated, it was the moments behind them that truly told the story of South Africa’s campaign.
One of those moments came on the final day in rowing, where Katherine Williams and Courtney Westley pushed their limits in the women’s pair final. Powering through the water, the duo claimed silver, missing gold by seconds to Lithuania.
On the track, the men’s 4x100m relay team made of Kyle Zinn, Retshidisitswe Mlenga, Mthi Mthimkulu, and Bayanda Walaza brought the heat, sprinting to silver in 38.80. Making this a season best for the team.
But the star of the Games? Bayanda Walaza. After blazing to gold in the 100m, he returned to rule the 200m, winning in 20.63 seconds. With fire in each of his strides, he showed why he is the sprint king of the tournament.
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Another golden moment came from Lythe Pillay in the men’s 400m. His 44.84-second dash was smooth and certainly unforgettable. He later teamed up in the 4x400m mixed relay, where he, Mthi Mthimkulu, Precious Molepo, and Marlie Viljoen added silver to their tally.
In the field, Aiden Smith launched the shot put to a distance of 20.25m, earning South Africa another gold. His throw was more than just muscle.
Jana van Schalkwyk also impressed, claiming bronze in women’s javelin, repeating her podium finish from 2023.
These student athletes board a flight back to South Africa with bragging rights after proving that Team South Africa did not just to compete, but make history.
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Sources: University Sport South Africa
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