Prudence Sekgodiso of South Africa won the women's 800m gold medal at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
Image: Li Bo / Xinhua via AFP
South African athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, securing medals and showcasing their talent on the global stage.
As predicted, Prudence Sekgodiso and Akani Simbine lived up to expectations by winning medals, while other South African competitors gained valuable experience in a highly competitive environment.
Sekgodiso makes history in the 800m.
Prudence Sekgodiso emerged as the highlight of the championships for South Africa, winning the women’s 800m final in a record-breaking 1:58.40 on the third and final day of the championships.
The 23-year-old displayed remarkable race strategy, patiently trailing Ethiopia’s Nigist Getachew and Tsige Duguma before launching a decisive kick with 150 meters to go. Her victory marked South Africa’s first-ever gold medal in the event at the World Indoor Championships, as well as the fastest indoor time in the world this year.
Sekgodiso shattered her own South African short track record of 1:59.88, which she had set earlier this season.
Getachew secured silver in 1:59.63, while Portugal’s Patrícia Silva took bronze with a national record of 1:59.80. Sekgodiso’s triumph solidifies her status as a top middle-distance runner and a strong contender for the Paris Olympics later this year.
Akani Simbine was the first South African athlete to secure a medal at the Championships, winning a bronze in the men’s 60m final on March 21 with a time of 6.54 seconds.
This achievement was particularly significant as it marked Simbine's first individual global medal after a series of near-misses in major international finals. Entering the race as one of the favorites, Simbine delivered a strong performance but finished behind Great Britain's Jeremiah Azu, who took gold with a personal best of 6.49 seconds, and Australia's Lachlan Kennedy, who secured silver with 6.50 seconds.
Simbine's podium finish reinforces his position among the world’s elite sprinters and sets him up well for the outdoor season.
Beyond the medalists, several South African athletes competed with determination. Cheswill Johnson finished 12th in the men’s long jump with a best effort of 7.64 meters, while Chris van Niekerk placed 14th in the shot put with a throw of 19.47 meters.
Although they did not reach the podium, their participation highlights South Africa’s growing presence in indoor athletics and serves as valuable preparation for future international competitions.
Athletics South Africa President James Moloi reflects on the team's performance.
"This is what we are talking about, a gold medal to crown a super performance inspired by the bronze we got earlier," said an overjoyed James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa.
"Our athletes are nothing else, but amazing. They focus on the bigger picture and then go and get it."
Moloi continued, "We are very grateful to our indoor team for their performance by putting their best effort forward. The pressure is now on to do better as we begin our World Championships season. We wish everyone a safe journey home." said Moloi.
The team arrives at 7.40 am on Tuesday, March 25, landing at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
IOL Sport