Shaun Maswanganyi sets sights on breaking national 100m record

The 22-year-old speedster, currently based in the United States of America, clocked the second-fastest South African 100m time of 9.91 seconds while representing the University of Houston at the National College Athletics Association Outdoor Championships in Austin, Texas last weekend. 

"I am young and time is still on my side to break the SA 100m record. I want to etch my name in the history books, and I am confident I can do it to become the greatest sprinter South Africa has ever seen,” Maswanganyi told SABC Sport.

Originally from Limpopo, and a former student of St Alban’s College in Pretoria, Maswanganyi returned to South Africa for a brief three-week period to address his visa matters.

Under the guidance of Carl Lewis – a nine-time Olympic track and field medallist from the United States, Maswanganyi is currently pursuing a degree in Economics and Finance at the University of Houston.  

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan, he reached the semi-finals in both the 100m and 200m events, but notably dropped the baton during the 4x100m relay heats in Oregon, USA, last year, which resulted in Team SA’s disqualification.

"I’m constantly blamed for dropping the baton, yet nobody seems interested in hearing my side of the story," defended the rising star.

"It’s ironic that no one considers the fact that we didn’t have the opportunity to practice together before the event. Each athlete is unique, and our circumstances vary. 

"However, I am determined to make amends in the relay event in Hungary. Our team has the potential to secure a medal, and I am motivated to prove our capabilities."

Maswanganyi has already qualified for both the 100m and 200m events at the upcoming World Athletics Championships scheduled for Budapest, Hungary, in August

Meanwhile, Maswanganyi revealed he has been going through a lot off the track after losing his brother Tebogo (29) and his maternal grandmother in April.

"I am facing my own challenges and life is not fair. April was a bad month as I lost my supporting structure,” he concluded.