Bayanda Walaza profile | All about South African athlete, records, running style, achievements and personal life

Bayanda Walaza is a track and field South African athlete known for his impressive performances in the 100M and 200M events. As the reigning U20 World Championships champion, he has quickly become one of Africa’s brightest athletic talents. Walaza’s unique running style and record-breaking speed continues to draw attention on the global stage.

Born and raised in South Africa, Bayanda Walaza has made remarkable strides in sprinting at a young age. He holds the national junior record in the 100M with a stunning 9.94 seconds at the Zagreb 100M meet, showcasing his raw talent and dedication. Balancing his athletic career with his education, Walaza chose to study at Tshwane University of Technology, reflecting his commitment both on and off the track. With a strong support system and growing list of achievements, Walaza is set to become a major force in international athletics.

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Bayanda Walaza profile overview

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Who is Bayanda Walaza?

Bayanda Walaza, born on February 9, 2006, is a South African sprinter from Katlehong, Gauteng. He gained fame by winning a silver medal in the 4×100 meters relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics at just 18 years old while still in high school. In 2024, he also won gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the World Athletics U20 Championships. Bayanda continues to break records and is a promising young athlete to watch.

Career

Rise from U20 double Gold to FISU games triumph (2025)

This talented South African sprinter rose to fame with his remarkable double gold win at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru. Building on this success, Walaza achieved a major career milestone by winning the sprint double at the 2025 Summer World University Games in Germany, showcasing his consistent growth and sprinting prowess. Notably, Bayanda Walaza broke the 10-second barrier in the 100m in Zagreb in 2025, marking him as one of the fastest young sprinters globally. His rapid rise from U20 champion to FISU Games triumph highlights his exceptional talent and dedication to athletics.

Walaza personal bests

100m PB: 9.94 at Zagreb (May 2025)

It is the explosive Bayanda Walaza’s running style that assisted him set an impressive personal best of 9.94 seconds in the 100m at Zagreb in May 2025. In this race, he successfully broke the 10-second barrier and established himself as one of the fastest young sprinters globally. Bayanda Walaza’s 100m performance continues to draw attention following his success at the World athletics u20 championships.

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200m Insights & latest results

Bayanda Walaza’s best time in the 200m is 20.08 seconds, recorded in Johannesburg in 2025. This result shows his growing speed and versatility, building on his achievements at the U20 World championships.

Bayanda Walaza glory in relays

Bayanda Walaza helped South Africa win silver in the 4x100m relay at the 2025 FISU World University Games. Despite Bayanda Walaza’s false start review, he stayed calm and anchored his team to a fast 38.80-second finish. His impressive performances, including a 9.94-second 100M record in Zagreb, show his rising talent and bright future in sprinting.

2025 FISU University games recap and analysis

At the 2025 FISU World University Games, Bayanda Walaza won gold medals in both the 100M and 200M, showing his outstanding sprinting ability. He also helped South Africa secure a silver medal in the 4x100m relay despite a tough final changeover. Walaza’s strong performance at this major international event highlights his growing reputation and future potential in athletics.

Training techniques and mindset

Bayanda Walaza follows a “slow burn” training secrets and methods that focuses on steady progress through sprint drills and improving his running style. He balances his demanding training schedule with school commitments, showing strong dedication and focus. His mindset, built on confidence and resilience, helps him overcome obstacles and prepare for future events like the U20 World Championships.

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How Walaza stacks up on the global stage compared to peers

The South African sprinter, Bayanda Walaza, has quickly established himself as a top sprinter, winning gold in both the 100M and 200M at the U20 World Championships. With a personal best of 9.94 seconds in the Zagreb 100M, he ranks as the second-fastest African U20 sprinter ever. His ability to compete with established stars like Ferdinand Omanyala shows his rising global presence.

How Akani Simbine influences walaza’s career

Akani Simbine plays a key mentorship role in Walaza’s development, offering guidance and inspiration. Walaza admires Simbine’s humility and leadership, which motivates him to push harder. Simbine’s success sets a strong example for Walaza and other young South African sprinters to follow.

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Role of Ferdinand Omanyala to Walaza’s successful career

Ferdinand Omanyala is both a rival and an inspiration for Bayanda Walaza, pushing him to improve his performance. Their competitive rivalry has raised the profile of sprinting across Africa. Walaza respects Omanyala’s talent but is determined to compete at the highest level and come out on top.

Bayanda Walaza personal life

Bayanda Walaza faced early tragedy when he lost his father at the age of 10 but found strength through the support of his mother and counseling. He balanced his athletic career with education, excelling in school and now studying Supply Chain Management while training in South Africa. Walaza’s loyalty to his coach and community highlights his grounded character as he continues to rise in sprinting.

Bayanda major achievements and awards

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Fast facts about Bayanda Walaza

How old is Bayanda Walaza?

Born on 9th of February, 2006, the South African sprinter is currently 19 years old.

Who is Bhayander Walaza?

Walaza is a talented South African sprinter known for winning gold in the 100M and 200M at the U20 World Championships and setting a national junior record.

Where does Bayanda Walaza go to school?

Bayanda Walaza studies Supply Chain Management at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He chose TUT because of its strong support for both academics and sports, turning down offers from universities abroad.

How fast is Bayanda Walaza?

Bayanda Walaza is an exceptionally fast South African sprinter who holds the national U20 records with a 9.94-second 100m and a 20.08-second 200m.

Conclusion

Bayanda Walaza’s rapid rise in sprinting demonstrates his exceptional talent, dedication, and resilience both on and off the track. With record-breaking performances at the U20 World Championships and international medals, he is firmly establishing himself as one of Africa’s leading young athletes. Supported by strong mentorship and a balanced approach to training and education, Bayanda Walaza’s running style continues to set him apart from his peers. As he continues to improve and compete globally, the South African track star is a sprinter to watch closely in the coming years.

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