Sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza produced a statement performance in Italy on Sunday, winning the men’s 100m at the Grand Prix Brescia in 10.00 seconds.
Also see: Team South Africa shines at the Commonwealth Games
Bayanda Walaza delivers against strong opposition
Walaza crossed the line first at the Centro Gabre Gabric in Brescia on 30 August 2026, beating American Courtney Lindsey, who finished second in 10.09, while fellow American Trayvon Bromell took third in 10.16.
The race was contested in a slight headwind of -0.2 metres per second, making Walaza’s winning performance even more impressive. His victory came in a high-quality field that included several accomplished international sprinters.
👑 BRESCIA BELONGS TO WALAZA!
Bayanda Walaza takes the 100m crown at the Grand Prix Brescia, crossing the line in 10.00s!
Another win. Another one for the books.
100m Champion | 10.00s | Grand Prix Brescia #TeamSA #ForMyCountry pic.twitter.com/qcWx2efJAu
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) August 31, 2026
The 20-year-old entered the race with a personal best of 9.89 seconds and was among an impressive line-up of sprinters boasting sub-10-second personal bests.
The official Grand Prix Brescia preview listed Walaza alongside the likes of Bromell, Lindsey, Lachlan Kennedy, Aaron Brown and Sam Blaskowski. He ultimately proved fastest when it mattered, finishing nine hundredths of a second ahead of Lindsey.
Australian Lachlan Kennedy finished fifth in 10.21, while South African Shaun Maswanganyi placed seventh in 10.33.
Bayanda Walaza 🇿🇦 clocks 10.00s (-0.2) to win the men’s 100m at the Grand Prix Brescia!
2. Courtney Lindsey 🇺🇸 10.09
3. Trayvon Bromell 🇺🇸 10.16
4. Sam Blaskowski 🇺🇸 10.19 pic.twitter.com/mt8fXqB17o— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) August 30, 2026
Also see: Team South Africa continues to impress at the Commonwealth Games
Another milestone for the young South African
The Brescia victory adds another significant result to Walaza’s rapidly developing career.
Walaza’s result also gave the country plenty to celebrate as another South African, Leendert Koekemoer, won the men’s 400m in 44.52 seconds.
LEENDERT JUST CAN’T STOP!
Another huge breakthrough for Leendert Koekemoer as he clocks 44.52s for a new PB and South African U20 Record in the 400m at the Grand Prix Brescia!
The record books keep getting rewritten.#TeamSA #ForMyCountry pic.twitter.com/AJKxkjEhhK
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) August 31, 2026
Walaza’s victory in Brescia therefore represents more than just another race win. Against a field packed with established international sprinters, the young South African showed that he can deliver on the senior stage.
Also see: Champions crowned at 2026 South African Sport Awards
Featured image: X/@OfficialTeamRSA
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