Athletics South Africa announces preparation squad for World Relay Championships
7th February 2026
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Athletics South Africa (ASA) has announced a 32-member preparation squad for the World Relay Championships to be held in Gaborone, Botswana from 2–3 May.
South Africa enjoyed a successful outing at the World Senior Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China in 2025, where they claimed three medals — gold in the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relays, and bronze in the women’s 4x400m.
The newly announced preparation squad is made up of 19 men and 13 women across the 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams.
The athletes will be invited to a series of training camps with their respective coaches as part of the build-up to the global event in May, a move that reflects ASA’s response to calls from senior athletes to strengthen relay structures.
Simbine has repeatedly highlighted the depth of talent within the relay teams and believes consistent camps will unlock even greater performances.
“There is so much potential in the relay teams, and with more investment and training camps, athletes will grow in confidence, both within the team environment and in their individual events,” he told SABC Sport.
Van Niekerk, who played a key role in helping the men’s 4x400m team secure a bronze medal at the World Championships in Tokyo last year — ending a nine-year medal drought — confirmed that while he will no longer contest the individual 400m, he remains committed to the relay setup.
“I am not saying South Africa is relaying just to win a medal, but investment in the relay teams will bring success. The future is bright; we have young athletes coming through and a strong culture is developing. The more the investment, the better the results,” said the world and Olympic 400m record holder.
Gift Leotlela, who missed the Tokyo championships in the relay event due to injury, says his focus is on returning to the 4x100m squad and contributing to another medal-winning performance.
Leotlela is included alongside Simbine, regarded as one of the world’s best anchors, as well as Karabo Letebele, who recently accepted a bursary to study in the United States.
Bayanda Walaza returns after missing the World Championships through injury, with Shaun Maswanganyi, Tsebo Matsoso, Retshidisitswe Mulenga and Abduraghmaan Karriem also named in the sprint relay group.
The men’s 4x100m team’s silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has further boosted confidence and transformed the relay culture in the country, with expectations high ahead of the Botswana championships in a few months’ time.
