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SA sprinter Bayanda Walaza powered through his debut race at the FISU World University Games by clocking the quickest time in the heats – an impressive 10.27 that makes him the men’s 100m gold favourite.
The Olympian will be in the semifinals this evening as the one to watch at the Rhine-Ruhr event.
Walaza is one of the big names in the competition, but he told SABC Sport he was easing himself into the event, having arrived on Saturday.
"It's been two days since I've been here, so I'm still reserving a lot of my energy in the tank. I intend to be strong and fully fired up for the final," announced Walaza.
The 19-year-old from TUT promised not to fall into the trap of doubting himself when it matters the most in the semifinal heats.
Walaza says he was being pushed by his competitors to run at his peak.
"These games have been properly planned, motivation is great, the people are great, and I'm overjoyed to be here."
One of the perceived challenges for track and field has been the European summer conditions, with the weather constantly changing.
But Walaza says he won’t make any excuses.
