By … South Africa Sets New African Record in Men’s 4x100m Relay
Paris, France – Beatrice Chebet of Kenya has etched her name into Olympic history by completing a stunning double victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 24-year-old, who had already claimed gold in the 5,000m earlier in the week, surged to triumph in the women’s 10,000m final on Friday, securing her second gold medal of the Games.
Chebet’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she clocked a winning time of 30 minutes and 43.25 seconds, crossing the finish line with a commanding lead.
Reflecting on her achievement, Chebet described the 10,000m gold medal as the pinnacle of her career. “This 10,000m gold medal, I can describe it as the most important medal in my life,” she said, visibly emotional.
The Kenyan star had approached the Paris Games with a singular focus: to win the 10,000m event. “I came here targeting the 10,000m gold medal, not a gold in 5,000m,” she emphasized, highlighting her determination to conquer the longer distance.
Chebet’s victory adds to Kenya’s rich legacy in long-distance running, further cementing her status as one of the premier athletes in the world today. Her double gold feat at the Paris Olympics is a testament to her exceptional talent and relentless work ethic.
Meanwhile, earlier on Friday, the South African men’s 4x100m relay team set a new African record during their final race, securing a silver medal for their country. The team, composed of Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine, delivered an electrifying performance, finishing just 0.07 seconds behind the gold medal-winning team from Canada. The South Africans clocked a time of 37.57 seconds, edging out Great Britain for second place and further establishing themselves as a formidable force in sprinting.
Akani Simbine, who had earlier in the Games secured Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold in the men’s 200m, spoke about the impact of these performances on the African continent. “African results in Paris are building a hunger for the continent’s athletes to challenge for podium places in every event,” Simbine remarked, reflecting on the shifting perceptions of African athletes in the global arena.
Simbine’s sentiments were echoed by many in the athletics community, as the Paris 2024 Olympics have showcased a broader range of African talent across various disciplines. “I think the whole narrative of ‘Africa just does long distance’ is changing,” Simbine told BBC Sport Africa. “Africa is athletic. We are fast runners, we are sprinters, we are long-distance runners, we are jumpers. We are everything.”
Bayanda Walaza, one of the youngest members of the South African relay team, is still juggling the demands of school alongside his athletic career. Despite his busy schedule, Walaza delivered a stellar performance in the relay, showing maturity beyond his years. “I was just trying not to mess up my mind,” the 18-year-old said with a smile after the race. His youthful exuberance and focus were key elements in the team’s record-breaking run.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, Africa’s athletes are proving their capabilities in a wide range of sports, challenging old stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of competitors.
reuters reports
