South Africa’s chances of challenging for a medal have been boosted by Van Niekerk’s commitment to the relay team, where he will be joined by rising stars Zakithi Nene and Lythe Pillay. Pillay recently set a new personal best of 44.31 seconds in the 400m, making him the second-fastest South African in the event behind Van Niekerk. All three athletes have already achieved Olympic qualifying times and are expected to feature in the one-lap sprint at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The trio will form the core of the South African 4x400m team, aiming to build on the country’s successes in the relay on the global stage. In past competitions, South Africa has earned medals in the event, including a retrospective bronze from the 1999 World Championships in Seville. The team also won a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, Republic of Korea.
The World Relays serve as a qualifying event for Paris 2024, where the top two teams in each heat will advance to the final. South African athletes competing in the World Athletics Relays 2024 include Clarence Munyai, Bradley Botshelo Nkoana, Benjamin Richardson, Rivaldo Roberts, Akani Simbine, Tshepo Jason Tyantini, and Bayanda Walaza in the men’s 4x100m relay. In the men’s 4x400m relay, the team includes Gardeo Isaacs, Wiaan Martin, Mthi Mthimkulu, Zakithi Nene, Antonie Matthys Nortje, Lythe Pillay, Tumisang Shezi, and Wayde van Niekerk. The mixed 4x400m relay team features Zenéy Geldenhuys, Rogail Joseph, Mthi Mthimkulu, Amy Naude, Shirley Nekhubui, and Antonie Matthys Nortje.