30 April 2026
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Story Lunga Luthuli
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Photo Hannes Naude
UFS athlete Mthi Mthimkulu after winning the 200 m sprint at the 2026 University Sports South Africa Championships in Cape Town.
Reflecting on his performance at the USSA Championships, Mthimkulu said: “The performance was a reflection of the work I have been putting in, and now the results are showing. The aim was to run that fast so that I can qualify for the Commonwealth Games from July to August in Glasgow, Scotland.”
Mthimkulu, who is in his final year of a Bachelor of Arts degree specialising in Language Practice, attributes his achievement to maintaining a balance between academic and athletic commitments. “Balancing my studies and doing double training sessions has helped me achieve these results.”
Mthimkulu will compete in the mixed 4x400 m relay at the World Athletics Relays. He previously won gold as part of the men's 4x400 m relay team at the 2025 championships in Guangzhou, China.
He regards his selection to the
Athletics South Africa team as an honour, particularly as he prepares to compete against athletes from more than 40 countries.
Marais will compete in the women’s 4x100 m event, while Wayde van Niekerk has been selected for the men’s 4x400 m.
For Marais, the event represents her first appearance at the World Athletics Relays. "This is a milestone I did not expect to come so soon. Women’s sprinting is picking up in South Africa, and I am grateful to be representing my country. It is a big honour, and my prayers have been answered.”
The Kovsie contingent will, however, be without Kovsie Athletics Club member and Olympic champion Wayde van Niekerk, who was initially included in the squad but has since shifted his competition focus away from the one-lap event.
Mthimkulu outlined both his individual and team objectives:
"My personal goal is to enjoy the moment and run fast. As a team, we want to make the nation proud and defend our title."
Mthimkulu encouraged aspiring student-athletes to seek support and maintain balance: "Always seek guidance and never do things alone. Make sure you balance school, sport, and social life. Enjoy the moment and perform at your best now - you only get this time once."
South Africa will compete in Gaborone this weekend with the aim of achieving strong results across the relay events.