South Africa’s chances of challenging for a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics have been boosted by Van Niekerk’s commitment to the relay team. The trio, which includes rising stars Zakithi Nene and Lythe Pillay, will form the core of the South African 4x400m team.
Van Niekerk has already set an Olympic qualifying time in the one-lap sprint and is expected to feature in that event at the Paris Games. Pillay recently set a new personal best of 44.31 seconds in the 400m, making him the second-fastest South African in that event after Van Niekerk. Both athletes have also achieved Olympic qualifying times in other events.
The mixed 4x400m relay team features Zenéy Geldenhuys, Rogail Joseph, Mthi Mthimkulu, Amy Naude, Shirley Nekhubui, and Antonie Matthys Nortje. In addition to this team, Clarence Munyai, Bradley Botshelo Nkoana, Benjamin Richardson, Rivaldo Roberts, Akani Simbine, Tshepo Jason Tyantini, and Bayanda Walaza will compete in the men’s 4x100m relay at the World Relays 2024.
South Africa has had great successes in the 4x400m relay on a global stage. In past competitions, they earned medals in this event including a retrospective bronze from the 1999 World Championships in Seville and a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu Republic of Korea. With their talented athletes leading them into competition like this year’s Paris Olympics
