Our country’s athletic elite competed in the 2017 IAAF World Championships, and as we’ve come to expect, they slayed. The collaborative effort got us into the top three standings at the widely observed event, allowing the team to bring home three gold, one silver and two bronze medals. This mighty performance saw us bested only by the USA and Kenya. It came as an improvement from being placed fifth in the Rio Olympics in 2016, and proved to be a big fat ‘take that!’ to other powerhouse track and field countries like Ethiopia and Great Britain.
The shining star, Caster Semenya, continued her rise to astronomical heights, dominating in the 800m field and proving once again that she’s a leader on the track with the rest mere followers. She made history on Sunday 13 August, by clocking 1:55:16s in the 800m women’s race, and in so doing, defended her title and ran her personal best. In true Semenya style, she made it look easy with her signature technique of starting off by hanging back in the middle and picking up the pace around the last bend, cruising past the leaders to cash in on gold. And with her bronze win from the 1500m women’s race, she’s solidified her status as a deadly cobra of the track, SA’s medium distance queen and all-round legend.
Also taking home two medals is the unstoppable Wayde Van Niekerk who successfully defended his 400m title and also bagged silver in the 200m men’s race. Since his record-breaking finish at the Rio Olympics, all eyes have been on the sprinter with great expectations for him to be the next Usain Bolt. However, the South African is clearly focussed on creating his own legacy and is no doubt a force to be reckoned with.
Another name on everybody’s lips is the new long jump champion, Luvo Manyonga. He made his debut at the IAAF and subsequently dominated in his arena. He jumped a staggering 8.48m to clinch gold and celebrated in unforgettable style by making a sand angel. Adding to the legendary display was Rushwal Samaai who also produced a stellar performance that earned him the bronze medal. The duo stood proud on the same podium, making history as the first time two South Africans won two medals in the same event.
The electric performance by our athletes has proven that South Africa continues to create sports stars that are pushing limits and breaking boundaries in the international arena, and they show no signs of slowing their ascent to greatness. For your young ones who are inspired to make a start and follow in their heroes’ footsteps on the track, get them the best gear here.
