Lythe Pillay - Team SA not relying on relay for medal success

By Charles Baloyi
16th October 2025

Former world youth 400m champion Lythe Pillay has dismissed the perception that South Africa’s only realistic medal prospects at major championships lie in the relays.

Pillay believes the country has enough individual talent to challenge for podium finishes ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympic Games. Team SA managed just one medal — a bronze in the men’s 4x400m relay — at the recently concluded World Senior Championships in Tokyo.

Pillay, who was part of the bronze medal-winning squad that ended the nation’s eight-year medal drought at the global showpiece, remains confident that individual medals are within reach.

"In the individual events next year, we are going to have about three athletes per item, so our potential for medals has increased beyond the relay events. I do, however, see the relay event as an obvious medal going forward."

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The 22-year-old University of Johannesburg student says he draws inspiration from his idol and teammate Wayde van Niekerk, who played a key role in the 4x400m bronze medal success in Tokyo.

Pillay says running alongside the world 400m record holder has been a major learning experience.

"He has been a great team leader who has kept us humble, motivated, and calm during those high-pressure events.

"Wayde has experienced the extreme highs and lows in this sport, and drawing on some of his wisdom is a massive advantage for us younger runners."

Pillay admits that it has been a demanding season that saw him compete in the World Student Games, several meetings across Europe, and the World Championships.

He battled with an early-season injury and was forced to miss the 4x400m relay final at the World Relay Championships in China after running in the heats.

Despite not yet reaching a major international final at senior level, the former national 400m champion remains optimistic.

He takes encouragement from his close friend Zakhithi Nene, who made his breakthrough by reaching his first global final in Tokyo.

Pillay says Nene’s achievement has motivated him to keep pushing toward his own moment of glory.