Top five Team SA medal prospects at the World Championships

The event is poised to unfold in the capital city of Hungary, Budapest from Saturday and continue until 27 August.

Notably, Team SA’s past endeavors in the Doha 2019 and Oregon 2021 championships fell short of securing coveted medals.

In a determined effort to shatter this medal drought, Athletics South Africa (ASA) has sent a strong team of 36 athletes, representing the nation’s aspirations.

Infused with enthusiasm, the team embarked on their journey to Budapest on Monday. Here are the top five medal contenders.

1.     Akani Simbine

Boasting a decade of unparalleled competition on the grandest stage and an impressive 36 tally of sub-10-second achievements, all eyes are riveted on Akani Simbine. His name has become synonymous with excellence as he clinched victory in the SA men’s 100m championships an astounding eight times. Holding the distinction of being the record hole for the 100m, he sprinted an astonishing 9.84 seconds, a feat accomplished on Hungarian soil. As this event unfolds, it is the opportune moment for this dual-time finalist in the world championships 100m event to seize his first international medal. The spotlight remains unblinkingly fixated upon him, eager to witness his triumphant response to critics and his resounding validation as the preeminent force on the continent.

2.     Wayde van Niekerk

Resurfacing with a renewed vigor reminiscent of his Olympic triumph in 2016 and his dual world championships victories in Beijing 2015 and London 2017, the illustrious 400m world record holder, clocking in at astounding 43.03 seconds, has returned to the forefront. Van Niekerk’s magnetic resurgence is evidenced by a string of victories in several Diamond League contests across European tracks. The fire within him burns with an unquenchable desire to grace the podium once more. Driven by his recent capture of the SA 400m title, a feat he previously achieved in 2016 at the Potchefstroom event earlier this year. He is a man on a mission.

3.     4x100m relay team

Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, Sinesipho Dambile, Luxolo Adams, and Benjamini Richardson collectively bear the aspirations of securing a coveted medal for Team SA within the realm of the team event. Amongst all the events, it’s the relay that holds the most promising potential for the nation to clinch that sought-after medal. Guided by the expertise of Coach Paul Gorries, the team boasts an abundance of exceptional talent that brims with promise. With bated breath, the entire nation anticipates this team’s resolute performance on the podium. Presently, Maswanganyi shines in the zenith of his athletic prowess having impressively sprinted to the second-fastest time of 9.91 in the 100m. Completing the formidable line-up, Simbine commands his position as the SA 100m record holder, his swiftness etched in history at 9.84 seconds.

4.     Prudence Sekgodiso

Having clinched victory in the 800m and 1 500m events, she proudly wears the mantle of a double South Africa champion. Regarded as the emerging successor of Caster Semenya, her strides resonate with similar greatness. Under the adept of Samuel Sepeng, former coach of Caster Semenya, her potential flourishes. Demonstrating her prowess on the international stage, she secured a commendable second place in a Diamond League meet in Europe during the preceding season. Additionally, her achievements include attaining the prestigious 800m bronze medal. With an impressive best of 1:58:41 seconds, she stands poised to challenge and overcome any adversary on her most formidable days.

5.     Shaun Maswanganyi

   At the age of 22, this swift contender blazed his way to the second-fastest 100m time of 9.91 seconds on American tracks. Set to compete in a remarkable trio of events at the world championships – the 100m, 4x100m relay, and the 200m event – his versatility shines through. He possesses the ability to go head-to-head with any rival. Guiding his journey is none other than the legendary Carl Lewis, a titan of the Olympic stage with nine coveted medals to his name.