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It was an active weekend for South African track and field, with the nation’s athletes competing across four World Athletics events in Europe and North Africa. From the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Rabat to the Continental Tour, the contingent recorded several season-best performances and podium finishes as they build their international campaigns.
Here is a breakdown of how the South African athletes performed over the weekend.
Rabat Diamond League: Season Bests and Solid Starts
At the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Morocco, the South African squad tested their early-season form against highly competitive fields.
In the Men’s 200m, Sinesipho Dambile claimed third place with a time of 20.03. Dambile has been consistent this season, having already registered a 19.77—the third-fastest time in the world so far this year. He finished behind American Kenneth Bednarek, whose winning time of 19.69 is the second-fastest globally this season.
Zakithi Nene continued his busy international schedule in the Men’s 400m, securing fourth place in 44.41. Nene has dipped under the 45-second mark in all three of his May races, including last week’s Diamond League appearances in China, and finished just a fraction off his season best in Rabat.
In the middle distances, Tshepo Tshite lined up for his first Diamond League race of the season in the Men’s 1500m. Following a silver medal at the recent African Championships, Tshite navigated a tight sprint finish to take fifth in 3:31.53, finishing close behind the leaders.
In the women’s events, Prudence Sekgodiso opened her World Athletics season in the 800m, clocking a season-best 1:57.41 for sixth place. Despite getting boxed in late in a crowded pack, she looked composed, indicating a comfortable start to her international season. Marione Fourie recorded a similarly positive result in the 100m Hurdles, taking fourth in a season-best 12.62. It was a strong opener that suggests her national record of 12.49 could be challenged as the season progresses.
RSA Results Summary: Rabat
Athlete | Event | Position | Mark | Notes |
Sinesipho Dambile | 200m | 3rd | 20.03 | Consistent sub-20 form this season |
Zakithi Nene | 400m | 4th | 44.41 | Sub-45 in all three races this May |
Tshepo Tshite | 1500m | 5th | 3:31.53 | First DL of the season |
Prudence Sekgodiso | 800m | 6th | 1:57.41 | Season Best |
Marione Fourie | 100mH | 4th | 12.62 | Season Best |
The European Circuit: Walaza Returns and Snyman Wins
On the World Athletics Continental Tour, South Africans competed at events in Germany, Greece, and Italy, securing a win and a notable meeting record.
At the 19° Triveneto Meeting Internazionale (Challenger) in Trieste, Italy, sprinter Bayanda Walaza made a successful return from injury. Walaza won his 100m heat in 10.03, setting a meeting record and showing clear signs that his recovery is well on track.
At the Venizeleia-Chania International Meeting (Bronze) in Greece, high jumper Kristi Snyman followed up her recent gold medal at the African Championships with an outright win. She cleared a season-best 1.88m to secure first place in the Women’s High Jump. On the track, young prospect Andre Olivier gained valuable international experience, placing 8th in his 100m final with a time of 11.62.
At the Goldenes Oval (Silver) in Dresden, Germany, Kyle Rademeyer competed in a strong Men’s Pole Vault field. Rademeyer, who has consistently cleared 5.40m or higher this season, finished 6th with a height of 5.35m and will look to build on that mark in his upcoming European appearances.
RSA Results Summary: Europe
Athlete | Meeting | Event | Position | Mark | Notes |
Bayanda Walaza | Triveneto (ITA) | 100m | 1st (Heat) | 10.03 | Meeting Record; successful return from injury |
Kristi Snyman | Venizeleia (GRE) | High Jump | 1st | 1.88m | Season Best; follows African Champs Gold |
Kyle Rademeyer | Goldenes Oval (GER) | Pole Vault | 6th | 5.35m | Consistent international performer |
Andre Olivier | Venizeleia (GRE) | 100m | 8th |
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