Top 10 Track and Field Stars Born and Bred in Gauteng
Gauteng has been the birthplace of numerous exceptional track and field athletes who have significantly contributed to South Africa’s athletic legacy. With its rich history of nurturing sporting talent, the province continues to produce world-class athletes who shine on the global stage. From sprinters to marathon runners, these athletes have set numerous records and represented South Africa with pride. The following are ten of the most accomplished track and field athletes born in Gauteng.
1. Akani Simbine
Akani Simbine is a sprinter who has established himself as one of the fastest men in the world. Born in 1993 in Kempton Park, Gauteng, Simbine has competed in numerous international competitions, winning medals at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. He specialises in the 100m, where he has consistently been a strong contender.
2. Bayanda Walaza
Born on 9 February 2006 in Katlehong, Gauteng, Bayanda Walaza is a rising sprint star. He clinched gold in both the 100m and 200m at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, and earned a silver medal with the 4x100m relay team at the Paris Olympics.
3. Shaun Maswanganyi
Phatutshedzo “Shaun” Maswanganyi, born on 1 February 2001 in Soweto, Johannesburg, is a prominent sprinter specialising in the 100m and 200m events. He secured a silver medal as part of South Africa’s 4x100m relay team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Maswanganyi also set a personal best of 9.91 seconds in the 100m at the 2023 NCAA Championships.
4. René Kalmer
Born on 3 November 1980 in Roodepoort, Gauteng, René Kalmer is a versatile runner who has competed in events ranging from 800 metres to the marathon. She represented South Africa at both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics, participating in the 1500 metres and marathon, respectively.
5. Tumi Ramokgopa
Hailing from Kempton Park, Gauteng, Tumi Ramokgopa, born on 27 August 2007, is a hurdler making significant strides in her career. She won gold in both the 100m and 400m hurdles at the 2023 African U18 Championships and set a South African U18 record with a time of 57.04 seconds at the 2024 ASA Grand Prix.
6. Anaso Jobodwana
Anaso Jobodwana, born on 15 November 1993 in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, but raised in Gauteng, is a sprinter specialising in the 200m. He represented South Africa at the 2012 London Olympics, reaching the final and setting a personal best of 20.13 seconds.
7. Willem Coertzen
Born on 19 April 1984 in Pretoria, Gauteng, Willem Coertzen is a decathlete who has represented South Africa at various international competitions. He set a personal best of 8,398 points at the 2015 Hypo-Meeting in Götzis, Austria.
8. Lebogang Shange
Lebogang Shange, born on 1 September 1990 in Pretoria, Gauteng, is a racewalker specialising in the 20km event. He set a South African record with a time of 1:19:18 at the 2017 World Championships in London.
9. Njabulo Mbatha
A promising talent from Gauteng, Njabulo Mbatha has excelled in sprinting events. He notably led TuksSport High School to victory in the Gauteng leg of the Track+Field series, showcasing his potential on the track.
10. Rose Xeyi
Representing Gauteng, Rose Xeyi set a new record by winning the Girls-19 100m at the 2017 National High Schools Track & Field Championships with a time of 11.56 seconds.
These athletes have not only excelled in their respective events but have also brought pride to Gauteng and our country through their remarkable achievements on both national and international stages. Their dedication and passion continue to inspire future generations of athletes. As they break records and make history, their stories remind us of the immense talent nurtured in our own backyard.
Also read: Gauteng’s Top-Rated Athletics Tracks for Training and Competitions
