South Africa's Bayanda Walaza snubbed as World Athletics unveil finalists for 2024 Men's Rising Star Award rising stars

World Athletics

South Africa's Bayanda Walaza snubbed as World Athletics unveil finalists for 2024 Men's Rising Star Award rising stars

Abigael Wafula 17:30 - 11.11.2024

Bayanda Walaza was overlooked for the 2024 Men's Rising Star Award despite impressive under-20 achievements, as World Athletics recognized other standout young athletes.

South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza has been snubbed as World Athletics unveiled the nominees of the 2024 Men's Rising Star Award.

The award looks to recognise the best under-20 athlete this season at the upcoming World Athletics Awards 2024.

World Athletics noted that the nominations reflect several standout performances that the sport has witnessed starting from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, World Athletics Indoor Championships, World Athletics U20 Championships, World Athletics Cross Country Championships, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world.

Bayanda Walaza, an upcoming sprinter who claimed the world under-20 titles in the 100m and Peru, Lima has unfortunately failed to make the list despite his impressive performance.

The youngster was also in action at the Paris Olympic Games where he competed in the South African 4x100m relay that was anchored to a silver medal by Akani Simbine.

He was also a notable figure at the African Athletics Championships and the World Athletics Relays among other events. What he has managed to achieve this season is no mean feat.

On their part, World Athletics have nominated Mattia Furlani of Italy who holds the world U20 long jump record and is the world indoor silver and Olympic bronze medallist. Jamaican youngster Jaydon Hibbert also made the list thanks to his world under-20 triple jump world lead.

He also claimed fourth place at the Paris Olympic Games. Hibbert suffered an injury earlier in the season and was not in his best shape. He will certainly be eyeing a stunning comeback in 2025.

Another athlete who has made the list is Niels Laros of the Netherlands. The Dutchman holds the world under-20 1000m record and he finished sixth in the 1500m at the Paris Olympic Games.

World Athletics announced that the winner of the 2024 Men's Rising Star Award will be announced on World Athletics' platforms on December 1.

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