South African Youngster Joins Hellen Obiri, Soufiane El Bakkali and Co at On

Swiss sportswear brand On has announced the signing of South African 400m standout Lythe Pillay to its global roster of elite athletes.

A two-time Olympian and a key figure in South Africa’s sprinting elite, Pillay’s addition marks a milestone as On continues to invest in Africa’s abundant athletic talent.

His joining places him alongside world-class names such as Hellen Obiri and Soufiane El Bakkali, highlighting the brand’s commitment to growing its presence on the continent.

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Pillay discovered his love for athletics in his first year of primary school and quickly rose through the ranks. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he claimed the World U20 Championship in Cali, Colombia, setting the stage for a career on the international stage.

Since then, Pillay has represented South Africa at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s premier quarter-milers.

The 2025 season proved to be a defining year in Pillay’s career. He captured gold at the World University Games, demonstrating his dominance as an individual competitor.

He then helped secure a historic bronze medal in the men’s 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, reinforcing South Africa’s growing reputation in global sprinting.

With a personal best of 44.31 seconds, Pillay is widely regarded as one of the most promising 400m runners in the world, combining raw speed with tactical intelligence on the track.

"I felt a deep connection with On because we share that same hunger and drive to establish ourselves as household names among the giants of the industry," Pillay said.

"Both the brand and I have a point to prove to the world, and I’m excited to collaborate and channel that collective effort toward reaching the next level of the sport."

For On, the signing underscores its mission to diversify its professional roster and strengthen its presence in key African markets.

By partnering with Pillay, the brand taps into South Africa’s rich sprinting heritage, while positioning itself at the forefront of a new generation of African speed.

"Lythe is an exceptional talent whose ambition and underdog spirit perfectly mirror our own journey," said Silja Mühlebach, Athlete Manager at On.

"His transition from a child falling in love with the track to a world-class medalist shows a level of dedication that we are incredibly proud to support. Welcoming Lythe is a key step in our mission to grow On’s roster of elite sprinters in Africa, and we look forward to seeing him challenge the status quo."

In addition to his athletic success, Pillay is pursuing a BCom in Accounting, preparing for a future beyond the track. With this signing, Lythe Pillay joins a prestigious list of On athletes and represents the next wave of African sprinting excellence.