Curro Hazeldean High School in Pretoria erupted in celebration as Bayanda Walaza returned home after helping Team South Africa clinch a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Bayanda Walaza, part of the SA 4x100m relay team, returns home to a hero’s welcome at Curro Hazeldean High.
- Walaza, an 18-year-old sprinter, helped secure a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
- The event was marked by the Minister of Basic Education placing the silver medal around Walaza’s mother.
Watch: Bayanda Walaza gets hero’s welcome at Curro school
The 18-year-old sprinter, who is still in Grade 12, was welcomed by a jubilant crowd of students and faculty, who sang in anticipation of his arrival.
The highlight of the event came when the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, placed the Olympic silver medal around Walaza’s mother, marking a proud moment for the family and the school community.
“This is a dream come true for Bayanda and his family. We are all incredibly proud,” said one of the teachers at the event.
Walaza’s achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary.
At just 18 years old, he became the fastest teenager in the world, clocking a stunning 10.13 seconds in the 100m earlier this year.
His performance in Paris, where the South African relay team set a new African record with a time of 37.57 seconds, has solidified his status as a rising star in athletics.
Five things to know about Bayanda Walaza
- Record-Breaker: Bayanda Walaza became the fastest teenager in the world in March 2024, running the 100m in 10.13 seconds.
- Olympic Achievement: At 18, Walaza became the first South African to win an Olympic medal while still in high school, earning silver in the 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Early Beginnings: Walaza hails from Katlehong in Gauteng and initially attended Hoërskool Vorentoe before earning a scholarship to Curro Hazeldean.
- National Success: He has won multiple titles, including the SA U18 200m and U20 100m championships, showcasing his dominance in youth athletics.
- Support System: Walaza credits his success to the support of his family, school, and coaches, who have guided him throughout his career.
