The South African athletes who formed part of the medal-winning teams at the World Athletics Relays in China say the country's sprinting is in an extremely healthy space.

Following a successful and medal-winning expedition at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, Team South Africa's relay stars landed to much fanfare at Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. The prevailing sentiment? Optimism.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) sent a team boasting youthful exuberance, which was balanced by experience, to China. On one end of the spectrum was veteran Akani Simbine (31), while on the other was the youngest member of the team -- Leendert Koekemoer (18).

'They can do this'

Running alongside global starlet Bayanda Walaza, as well as Sinesipho Dambile and Bradley Nkoana -- Simbine anchored South Africa's charge to a memorable men's 4x100m relay gold medal in Guangzhou.

To underline his longevity, Simbine recently made history when he became the first athlete in history to run under 10 seconds for 11 successive seasons in the men's 100m category. The record was previously held by sprint deity Usain Bolt, before Simbine overtook it in April.

Simbine -- who was not part of the party that landed in...