Mthi Mthimkulu, a standout 400m athlete from the University of the Free State (UFS), recently represented South Africa at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, from 10 to 11 May 2025. His remarkable performance contributed to a historic event for South African athletics.
Mthimkulu was an integral part of both the men’s and mixed 4x400m relay teams. On Saturday 10 May he competed in the men’s 4x400m relay heat alongside teammates Udeme Okon, Lythe Pillay, and Zakithi Nene. The South African team delivered an impressive performance, clocking a world-leading time of 3:00.00 in the first heat.
The following day, Mthimkulu participated in the mixed 4x400m relay, where the team finished in fifth place. His selection for the South African relay teams was based on his impressive ranking, as he is currently ranked in the top six in South Africa.
In a thrilling conclusion to the championships, the men’s 4x400m relay team, comprised of Okon, Nene Gardeo Isaacs, and Leendert Koekemoer, stormed to victory in the final. They achieved a remarkable time of 2:57.50, breaking the South African record of 2:58.12 set during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The championships in Guangzhou proved to be a landmark event, with South Africa securing double gold medals in both the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relays, while the women’s 4x400m team claimed a bronze medal. All four South African teams reached the finals of their events, securing automatic qualification for the World Athletics Championships, taking place in Tokyo in September 2025.
Mthimkulu credits a large part of his success to his athletics coach, Thomas Jonda. “If it wasn’t for him, I don’t believe I would have been in this position I am in today,” he said, adding that their commitment and belief as a two-man team helped them achieve these accolades together.