Bayanda Walaza has set his sights on breaking a Letsile Tebogo world record.
South African sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza has set his sights on a lofty goal to break the world junior 100m record of 9.91 seconds set by Botswana's Letsile Tebogo in 2022.
Speaking ahead of a high-profile race against Jamaican stars Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville, Walaza admitted the record is on his radar, but emphasized the importance of patience and timing in achieving such a feat.
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"The times will come with the perfect execution," Walaza said as quoted by Jamaican publication Jamaica Observer.
"I believe that I have the strength and I believe in myself. I think it depends on timing as well. It must not be something that I put in my head because I am still young and it can bring pressure on me."
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In the much-anticipated race, Walaza faced some of the fastest men in the world, lining up against Jamaica’s fastest stars.
Thompson stormed to victory with a searing 9.88 seconds, pulling away decisively midway through the race.
Oblique Seville delivered a strong late surge to grab second place with a season-best of 9.97 as Walaza, though showing promise, finished fourth with a time of 10.06 seconds, narrowly beaten by compatriot Gift Leotlela.
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Despite the result, the experience was invaluable for Walaza, racing against world-class athletes.
While the race didn’t end with a personal best, Walaza’s long-term ambitions remain intact as he eyes Tebogo's World Record.