Nigerian-born athletes John Adesola and Udeme Okon will fly South Africa’s flag at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, as the Rainbow Nation unveiled a formidable 49-athlete contingent for the global showpiece.
Their inclusion underscores South Africa’s multicultural strength, with both athletes proudly carrying Nigerian heritage onto the world stage.
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South Africa enter the Championships with three world-leading marks, including Zakithi Nene’s blistering 43.73 seconds in the men’s 400m.
Nene also anchors the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay squads, boosting medal prospects.
In the men’s 100m, Akani Simbine leads alongside Bayanda Walaza and Gift Leotlela, while Wayde van Niekerk returns to headline the 200m team with Sinesipho Dambile and Naeem Jack.
The 400m mix sees Nene team up with Lythe Pillay, while middle-distance stars Tshepo Tshite and Ryan Mphahlele target podium finishes. Long-distance hope Adriaan Wildschutt carries the nation’s 10,000m ambition.
On the women’s side, Prudence Sekgodiso anchors the 800m squad, with Shirley Nekhubui and Miranda Coetzee strengthening the 400m lineup.
Marione Fourie contests the 100m hurdles, while Zenéy van der Walt and Rogail Joseph handle the 400m hurdles.
Endurance specialist Jessica Groenewalt lines up in the 35km race walk.
In the field, Cheswill Johnson heads the long jump, with Brian Raats in high jump.
Aiden Smith and Chris van Niekerk take on shot put, while Victor Hogan handles discus. Kyle Rademeyer competes in pole vault.
For the women, Ashley Erasmus, Miné de Klerk, and Colette Uys headline shot put, while Miré Reinstorf features in pole vault and Jo-Ané du Plessis contests the javelin.
South Africa’s relay squads remain loaded with depth. The men’s 4x100m team includes Shaun Maswanganyi, while the men’s 4x400m has Sabelo Dhlamini.
In the mixed 4x400m, Udeme Okon links up with Precious Molepo, Hannah van Niekerk, and others, sharpening South Africa’s medal chances.
With balance across sprints, distance, field, and relays,
South Africa’s 49-athlete squad arrive in Tokyo brimming with ambition to secure a strong medal haul.
The full list
Men’s Track Events
100m: Akani Simbine, Bayanda Walaza, Gift Leotlela
200m: Wayde van Niekerk, Sinesipho Dambile, Naeem Jack
400m: Zakithi Nene, Lythe Pillay
800m: Tshepo Tshite
1500m: Ryan Mphahlele
10,000m: Adriaan Wildschutt
Women’s Track Events
400m: Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee
800m: Prudence Sekgodiso
100m Hurdles: Marione Fourie
400m Hurdles: Zenéy van der Walt, Rogail Joseph
35km Race Walk: Jessica Groenewalt
Field Events – Men
Long Jump: Cheswill Johnson
High Jump: Brian Raats
Shot Put: Aiden Smith, Chris van Niekerk
Discus Throw: Victor Hogan
Pole Vault: Kyle Rademeyer
Field Events – Women
Shot Put: Ashley Erasmus, Miné de Klerk, Colette Uys
Pole Vault: Miré Reinstorf
Javelin: Jo-Ané du Plessis
Relay Teams
Men’s Relays
4x100m: Shaun Maswanganyi, John Adesola, Bayanda Walaza, Akani Simbine
4x400m: Zakithi Nene, Lythe Pillay, Sabelo Dhlamini, Gift Leotlela
Women’s Relays
4x400m: Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Prudence Sekgodiso, Rogail Joseph
Mixed 4x400m Relay
Udeme Okon, Precious Molepo, Hannah van Niekerk, Zenéy van der Walt
