South Africa’s World Athletics Championships campaign in Tokyo ended with a flash of bronze. It was a much needed medal that shone brighter than the rain-soaked track it was earned on.
In a 4x400m relay that played out like a photo finish sprint down the home straight, Botswana snatched gold, the United States edged silver by a breath. Even though the Americans officially recorded the same time, they were awarded second place and Team South Africa had to be content with third in 2:57.83.
Botswana won gold in the men’s 4x400m relay, USA was awarded silver and South Africa bronze. Pic: Supplied
It was a race that blended fire and finesse. Lythe Pillay bolted from the blocks like a starter’s pistol given human form.
Udeme Okon steadied the baton with calm hands and a steady stride.
Wayde van Niekerk, the old maestro of the one-lap symphony, powered through the third leg to drag the team into striking distance.
And Zakithi Nene, chest heaving and teeth gritted, almost reeled in the Americans with a finishing kick that had the stadium gasping.
For South Africa, it wasn’t just a medal. It was an exhale after eight long years without one.
The last time the nation stood on a World Championships podium, Van Niekerk was centre stage with gold in the 400m and silver in the 200m back in 2017.
That he returned, this time as part of a relay, gave the moment a poetic symmetry. The veteran passing the torch while still carrying it himself.
“It’s such a privilege to end a medal drought with the next generation of South African athletes,” Van Niekerk said afterwards.
“I’m glad it’s a bronze. It gives them a reason to chase silver and gold.”
Earlier, the men’s 4x100m squad’s appeal granted them a rare solo rerun after Italy’s interference in the heats. Needing 38.34 seconds to sneak into the final, they clocked 38.64, close, but not enough.
So, Team South Africa leave Tokyo with just one medal in the bag, but it’s one that speaks volumes.
Bronze may not be gold, but in the rain and roar of that relay, it glittered like victory.
