Leendert Koekemoer reflects on a flying start to the season

The 18-year-old made headlines when he clocked an impressive 44.94 seconds at the Simbine Classics in Tshwane, setting a new South African under-20 record and securing automatic qualification for the global showpiece.

Koekemoer also played a key role in South Africa’s success at the World Relay Championships in Botswana.

Running a strong second leg in the men’s 4x400m relay final, he handed the baton to Lythe Pillay, who then passed it to team captain Zakhithi Nene as the team powered their way to a memorable silver medal in front of a packed stadium in Gaborone.

Now, the teenager says he is heading to the United States with serious intent.

“The plan was to qualify for the World Juniors, and I managed to do that with a national record,” Koekemoer told SABC Sport. “But I’m not going there just to make up the numbers.”

Training at the University of Johannesburg alongside world under-20 400m champion Udeme Okon, Koekemoer says competing against both juniors and seniors has helped him grow.

“I enjoy racing against everyone, whether juniors or seniors. You learn a lot from them and gain experience and wisdom. Watching and racing against athletes like Akani Simbine and Nene has been a big motivation for me.”

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Despite his rapid rise, Koekemoer remains grounded but ambitious. He admits his record-breaking run still hasn’t fully sunk in.

“It feels great, but it hasn’t really hit me yet. I just want to keep improving,” he said. “One day, I would love to challenge the world record of 43.03 seconds set by Wayde van Niekerk. That’s my dream.”

Koekemoer revealed that he missed the national junior championships earlier this year due to injury but has since fully recovered.

“I had a grade two injury, but I’m back now and feeling good.”

Since joining coach Lyle Wentzel’s group at the University of Johannesburg in January, Koekemoer says the environment has played a big role in his progress.

“The programme is great, and I trust the coach. Training with Okon has also pushed me a lot.”

Looking back at his performance in Botswana, Koekemoer says his focus was simple.

“I just wanted to run my best and make my country proud.”