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Guangzhou, China (23 May 2025)<\/em> – He set out to make his mark in a historic event for South African athletics, and Mthi Mthimkhulu did just that.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, the standout 400m athlete from the University of the Free State (UFS) recently represented South Africa as a key player in both the men\u2019s and mixed 4x400m relay teams at the World Athletics Relays\u00a0in Guangzhou, China.<\/p>\n According to UFS<\/a>, Mthimkhulu competed in the SA men\u2019s 4x400m relay heat alongside teammates Udeme Okon, Lythe Pillay, and Zakithi Nene on Saturday, 10 May. Together, they absolutely owned the track, clocking a world-leading time of 3:00.00 in the first heat!<\/p>\n The following day, Mthimkulu participated in the mixed 4x400m relay, where the team finished in fifth place.<\/p>\n And in a truly epic final, the men’s 4x400m relay team stormed to victory in a mind-blowing 2:57.50, not only winning gold but also shattering the South African record set at the Paris 2024 Olympics!<\/p>\n Mthimkhulu’s selection for the South African relay teams was based on his impressive ranking, as he is currently ranked in the top six in South Africa, UFS states.<\/p>\n The championships in Guangzhou proved to be a landmark event, with South Africa securing double gold medals in both the men\u2019s 4x100m and 4x400m relays, while the women\u2019s 4x400m team claimed a bronze medal.<\/p>\n All four South African teams advanced to the finals of their respective events, earning automatic qualification for the World Athletics Championships scheduled to be held in Tokyo in September 2025!<\/p>\n For Mthimkhulu, this wasn’t just a win, it was a triumph for South African athletics.<\/p>\n He humbly credits a large part of his success to his athletics coach, Thomas Jonda.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for him, I don\u2019t believe I would have been in this position I am in today,\u201d he said, adding that their commitment and belief as a two-man team helped them achieve these accolades together.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nSources: University of the Free State<\/em><\/h6>\n
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