'I have to be true to myself'- South Africa's Bayanda Walaza insists as he aims for 2025 dominance

Bayanda Walaza is aiming for 2025 dominance. Image source: Imago

'I have to be true to myself'- South Africa's Bayanda Walaza insists as he aims for 2025 dominance

Abigael Wafula 17:44 - 22.03.2025

Bayanda Walaza is determined to dominate the 2025 season by staying focused and true to himself as he transitions into senior-level competition.

South Africa’s teen sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza has disclosed the one important thing he is working on as he looks to dominate the entire 2025 season.

The 19-year-old has had a great start to his season, setting the 100m world leading time of 9.99 second at the AGN U16, U18, U20, and Seniors Track & Field Championship.

He continued his winning ways at the ASA Athletics Grand Prix 2, competing in the 200m where he claimed the win in 20.08 seconds.

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Bayanda Walaza is now getting ready to face more experienced and matured athletes as the outdoor season begins and he revealed the one thing he wants to maintain throughout the season.

The double world under-20 champion revealed that many athletes tend to lose themselves when they make the great transition but he does not want to become a victim of that.

He explained that he has a strong support system that will guide his transition and with that, he strongly believes that this is just but the beginning.

“I have a strong supportive culture, the people who are behind me are my coach and parents and my physio as well, we have been planning for the future very well,” Bayanda Walaza said as per Athletics South Africa.

“We pray that the season turns out well. Most of the people kind of lose themselves and tend to become something different but for me I have to focus and be true to myself.

“I also want to continue respecting people because they think great about me and give me their blessings.”

He added that his explosive times are just a testament of the work he has been putting in throughout all those years.

Bayanda Walaza also pointed out that the championships that he has managed to dominate have always been dominated by veterans in the sport and him being able to do that is proof that he is on the right trajectory.

“It’s a point where I’m seeing I’m growing up as a person. These championships are usually ran by people who are old and more matured in the sport,” Bayanda Walaza said.

“It is showing me improvement in what I’ve been doing all these years and it’s also inspirational for the future.”

Bayanda Walaza’s remarkable start to the 2025 showcases the work he has put in since he started his career as an athlete.

As he prepares to compete against more seasoned athletes, his focus remains on staying true to himself and maintaining the mindset that has fueled his success. The young sprinting sensation is undoubtedly poised to make an even greater impact on the global stage.

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