Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

South Africa Gain Experience at World Race Walking Championships

Posted : 15 April 2026

South Africa delivered a mixed set of results at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships held in Brasília, Brazil, where South Africa national athletics team competed across multiple events against a strong international field.

Tumisang Pule produced the country’s best performance of the day, finishing 56th in the men’s half-marathon race walk with a time of 1:42:04. His effort stood out as the leading result for the South African contingent in a demanding global competition featuring elite walkers from across the world.

In the same event, Antonio Farmer placed 65th in 1:47:51, while Rivers Williams was unable to complete the race. The men’s half-marathon title was claimed by Italy’s Francesco Fortunato, who delivered a winning performance in 1:27:25.

The women’s competition saw Zelda Botha represent South Africa as the sole female athlete in the senior squad. She finished 58th in the half-marathon event, clocking 1:57:29, as Peru’s Kimberly García León secured victory with a dominant 1:35:00 performance.

In the junior category, teenager Yamkela Shosha gave a promising display in the U20 men’s 10km race, finishing 33rd and recording a personal best of 48:27. The event was won by China’s Huajia Pu in 39:58, highlighting the high level of global competition in the youth field.

Despite the results being outside podium contention, Athletics South Africa viewed the championships as an important developmental milestone. Acting president John Mathane emphasised that the focus is on building experience as the country transitions to a younger generation of race walkers.

He noted that the squad is currently undergoing a rebuilding phase, with emerging athletes gaining exposure at international level as more experienced competitors are gradually replaced. According to him, events like this are crucial for long-term progress and identifying future medal contenders.

While South Africa did not challenge the leading nations on the scoreboard, the championships provided valuable learning opportunities for a developing squad aiming to strengthen its presence in global race walking competitions in the years ahead.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :