Bayanda Walaza: South African Youngster Explains Why Letsile Tebogo Is His Biggest Influence on the Track

Bayanda Walaza has opened up about his admiration for reigning Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo and compatriot Gift Leotlela, crediting the two for inspiring his rapid rise in sprinting.

The double world U20 champion, just 19 years old, is already carving out his place on the global stage after representing South Africa in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympic Games, where the team won silver.

Having already made his mark locally, Bayanda Walaza is eager to showcase his talent internationally and continue growing as one of South Africa’s brightest prospects.

Although an injury sustained at the Diamond League Final in Zurich forced him to miss the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, he remains optimistic about returning stronger and building on the momentum of his young but promising career.

Bayanda Walaza explained that Letsile Tebogo stands out to him not only for his strong performances but also for his ability to follow his own instincts.

He disclosed that Letsile Tebogo also does things the way he feels is right rather than simply following advice from others.

Walaza also singled out Gift Leotlela for his remarkable persistence and unwavering focus. He noted that despite facing numerous injuries throughout his career, Leotlela’s ability to bounce back demonstrates that with determination and commitment, it is possible to achieve one’s goals.

Gift Leotlela finally made the World Championships team to Tokyo, Japan and made the men’s 100m final but did not finish in the podium bracket.

Bayanda Walaza added that observing these athletes has inspired him as he works to build his own path in the world of sprinting.

“Truly speaking, I have like two people whom I'm looking at on the world performing stage. I'll say on top, I'm looking at Letsile Tebogo, you know, who's been showing up very good. And also, he's a one-person who does things the way he wants them to go,” Bayanda Walaza said on the Go Wild Podcast.

“You know, he doesn't actually listen to what people say and do it. He just goes with what makes him feel right. And then the second one, I'll say, Gift Leotlela, he's a South African sprinter, and he's been pulling up for the country.

“And what I've learned about him is like persistent. You know, he's been focused, and he never lost focus. He got a lot of injuries in life. But the way he came back actually shows that, you know, if you actually want something, you can actually go for it.”

Bayanda Walaza’s reflections highlight how the discipline and resilience of Letsile Tebogo and Gift Leotlela continue to inspire him, shaping his ambition to rise on the international sprinting stage.