The South African men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams delivered a stunning performance to claim gold at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou.

Akani Simbine anchored the 4x100m team with a blistering final leg, edging out the United States by just 0.05 seconds in a dramatic finish that signals South Africa’s strong prospects for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

It also makes them the first African team ever to win the 4x100m!

Ahead of the race, Simbine had emphasized the importance of team camaraderie in relay success — a sentiment that was clearly reflected in the squad’s performance. The quartet of Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and Simbine not only showcased speed but also flawless baton exchanges and unity.

Their winning time was the fastest in the world this year and just 0.04 seconds shy of the African record they set en route to Olympic silver in Paris.

The race began with 19-year-old Walaza, a double sprint champion at last year’s World U20 Championships in Lima, who faced tough competition from USA’s Courtney Lindsey, Canada’s Aaron Brown, and Japan’s Naoki Okami.

Walaza handed off to Dambile as Brown passed the baton to Jerome Blake for Canada, while USA’s leg was taken up by Kenny Bednarek — a two-time Olympic and world silver medallist in the 200m.

Nkoana and Kyree King then took over for South Africa and the USA, respectively. Both runners completed their legs in perfect sync, setting the stage for a thrilling final sprint between Simbine and USA’s Brandon Hicklin.

Though Simbine appeared slightly behind approaching the finish, his expertly timed lean secured the gold for South Africa.

“Once I got the baton and saw the USA was ahead, I just told myself, ‘I need to catch the guy in front,’” Simbine said after the race.

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Team South Africa also bagged another GOLD in the 4x400m men’s relay final, and a BRONZE in the women’s 4x400m relay final.