South African athletes to watch out for in Tokyo, showcasing determination and striving for personal bests at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Tokyo, Japan (16 September 2025) – As the 2025 World Athletics Championships reach day four in Tokyo, all eyes are on South Africa’s contenders chasing both history and personal milestones.
Wayde van Niekerk returns a decade after his first world title, lining up for his sixth World Championships in the 400m. The world-record holder continues to chase the magic of Beijing 2015, where he first stunned the world with his speed.
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Meanwhile, Prudence Sekgodiso is aiming high in the women’s 800m. After claiming the World Indoor title in Nanjing this year, the 23-year-old is chasing Caster Semenya’s national record of 1:54.25. A mark that remains one of the fastest in history.
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Tshepo Tshite, already making headlines, secured his place in Wednesday’s men’s 1500m final with a time of 3:36.93, earning a promotion to sixth spot and keeping Team SA’s hopes alive for a first podium of the championships.
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Earlier in the competition, national champion Gift Leotlela impressed with a fifth-place finish in the men’s 100m final, the best result for a South African on Day 2. Veteran Akani Simbine crossed the line in 10.04, taking seventh position.
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On the 400m front, Zakithi Nene and Lythe Pillay also progressed through the first rounds, posting 44.34 and 44.73, respectively, and advancing to the semifinals today.
As the championships unfold, South Africa’s athletes continue to carve their path with a mix of experience and emerging talent, proving that the team is ready to compete.
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