Teenage Sprint Star Seals Historic Double Gold in Rhine-Ruhr
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| Bayanda Walaza crosses the finish line in victory during the 200 m final at the 2025 World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr. |
Rhine-Ruhr, Germany – South African sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza has completed a remarkable sprint double at the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games, adding the Men’s 200 m gold to his earlier triumph in the 100 m. At just 19 years old, the Katlehong-born athlete has solidified his reputation as one of the brightest young stars in global athletics.
Dominant in the 200 Metres
Walaza stormed to victory in the Men’s 200 m final with a time of 20.63 seconds, facing a slight headwind of –0.3 m/s. He edged out Spain’s Adria Alfonso Medero (20.70 s) and Korea’s Jaeseong Lee (20.75 s) in a tightly contested race, showcasing his composure and closing speed down the home straight.
This win came just two days after he claimed the 100 m title, where he clocked 10.16 seconds, narrowly beating Thailand’s Puripol Boonson and Japan’s Hiroki Yanagita in one of the Games' most anticipated finals.
A Rising Star in World Athletics
Walaza’s achievements in Germany follow a string of stellar performances in 2025:
He set personal bests of 9.94 s in the 100 m and 20.08 s in the 200 m earlier this year, both ranking among the best globally.
He played a crucial role in helping South Africa win the 4×100 m relay at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou with a world-leading time of 37.61 seconds.
Still a teenager, he already boasts an Olympic silver medal from the Paris 2024 Games in the 4×100 m relay, where he anchored the South African team.
Nicknamed “Wobble Wobble” for his unique, fluid running style, Walaza has become a fan favorite and a symbol of South Africa’s sprinting resurgence.
A University Star with Olympic Potential
The University Games, often viewed as a proving ground for emerging elite athletes, have seen Walaza rise above the competition with confidence and maturity. Competing against seasoned student-athletes from around the world, his back-to-back gold medals highlight not just his raw speed, but also his poise under pressure.
“Winning is a big thing to me… I give thanks… I don’t take that for granted… this is a moment I’ll remember,” Walaza said after his 100 m victory. He credited his preparation, team support, and focus amid the intensity of international competition.
A Medal Machine for Team South Africa
Walaza’s double gold has been instrumental in South Africa’s athletics medal tally at the Games. USSA (University Sport South Africa) had earmarked him as a key medal prospect, and he has delivered emphatically. With national and continental records within reach, he is now setting his sights on even greater stages including the World Championships and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Fast Facts
Full Name: Bayanda Walaza
Age: 19
Birthplace: Katlehong, Gauteng, South Africa
Events: 100 m, 200 m, 4×100 m relay
Personal Bests (2025): 9.94 s (100 m), 20.08 s (200 m)
Major Honors: Double Gold (2025 World University Games), Silver (Paris 2024 Olympics), World U20 Champion
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