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South Africa sprint to silver in 4x400m relay in Oregon─── MORGAN PIEK 09:20 Mon, 10 Aug 2026
South Africa’s young quarter-milers have once again underlined the country’s strength in the 4x400m relay, racing to a silver medal at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
The South African quartet of Ryno Riekert, Kryn Romijn, Abelines Schoeman and Leendert Koekemoer produced a determined performance in the final to secure a place on the global podium, adding another medal to the country’s impressive campaign at the championships, taking the tally to eight.
The result is particularly encouraging given South Africa’s growing reputation in the 400m and relay events. The country has consistently produced athletes capable of competing against the world’s best, and the latest crop of youngsters showed that the pipeline remains strong.
The USA took the gold medal in an U20 world record time of 3:01.39, while South Africa set a new African U20 record to take the silver in 3:02.76, while France clinched the bronze in a new French record time of 3:04.80.
South Africa’s relay programme has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, with the senior men’s team also making its mark internationally. Earlier this year, the national 4x400m quartet claimed silver at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, clocking a South African record of 2:55.07.
That performance featured a quartet including Mthi Mthimkulu, Lythe Pillay, Leendert Koekemoer and Zakithi Nene, with Pillay producing a remarkable 42.66-second relay split.
The success at junior level is another indication that South Africa has plenty of talent coming through behind its established stars.
For the youngsters competing in Eugene, the silver medal represents more than simply a place on the podium. It provides valuable experience of competing under pressure on one of athletics' biggest stages and offers a glimpse of what could lie ahead as this generation moves towards senior international competition.
South Africa has a proud history in the 4x400m, and performances such as this ensure that tradition remains in good hands.
With the pressure of a world championship final behind them, the experience gained in Oregon could prove invaluable for the young runners as they continue their progression.
For now, though, they can savour a well-earned silver medal and the satisfaction of once again putting South African athletics on the international podium.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
