You know when someone comes out of nowhere and just shakes things up? That’s exactly what happened recently on the track. Picture this: a young track and field athlete, barely out of his teens, stepping onto the world stage and running a blistering 100m race. The crowd watches in awe, not just because of his speed, but because something about the way he runs looks… different. Some people can’t stop talking about his unusual running movement, wondering if it’s a flaw or a quirk. But then you realize: this isn’t just some random teenager. This guy is rewriting the record books and might be the future. So, who is he?
At just 19 years old, Bayanda Walaza has been sprinting into the spotlight with times that make even seasoned pros sit up and take notice. At the latest competition in Zagreb, he sped to the finish as fast as 9.94 seconds. It broke the previous South African junior record and places him among the one the fastest in the world this season. It’s pretty awesome what he achieved at such a young age. However, in track and field, everything attracts some criticism. He also dealt with it.
One thing that’s caught a lot of attention is the way this young sprinter runs, especially his unusual head movements. You can see his head move slightly up and down every time he takes a long and powerful stride.. To some, it looks unusual or even distracting, leading to criticism. But here’s the fascinating part: this isn’t just a whim; it has roots in history and likely contributes to his racing speed.
People criticizing the head-jerk movement of 19 yr old Bayanda Walaza in his 9.94 performance do Not know their track history. There was another man with the same head movement. His name was Bob Hayes. pic.twitter.com/yEBuaJw7bS
— Mike H (@mombojom) May 25, 2025
Bob Hayes, the great American sprinter they call “Bullet Bob,” used the same head bob style in the 1960s. Hayes was very different from the usual athlete; he won gold medals in two Olympics, set world records, and was a champion in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. His leaning at the waist didn’t slow him down; it helped him keep moving at full speed and in control during a sprint. So, while it might look unconventional or awkward to some, this head jerk could be a unique biomechanical trait that helps the track and field star to stay balanced, focused, and fast.
19-year-old track and field star rises as Akani Simbine holds the throne
Right now, South African track and field feels like a passing-of-the-torch moment, but the flame’s still burning strong in both hands. On one side, you’ve got Akani Simbine, the seasoned sprint king who refuses to slow down. At 31, he just reminded everyone who’s boss by winning the Rabat Diamond League on May 25 with a sharp 9.95, beating some of the world’s fastest, including Fred Kerley and Ferdinand Omanyala. That was his third Diamond League win of the season. Add in his 9.86 from Atlanta just days earlier, and it’s clear: Simbine’s not stepping aside for anyone just yet. Oh, and he’s now run sub-10 for 11 straight years, breaking even Usain Bolt’s record. That’s legendary status.
But guess who’s not waiting for a changing of the guard? Bayanda Walaza, a 19-year-old phenom, set a national junior record for South Africa when she ran a 9.94 in Zagreb, ranking her 3rd in the world this year for the 100m event. Walaza is proving that potential is turning into actual elite performances. With his three group stage results, he has tied van Niekerk and Gift Leotlela for the sprint royalty crowns and is one step away from Simbine’s fastest time. Plus, he’s the Olympic silver medalist in the 4x100m relay, gold medalist in the 100m and 200m at the U20 Worlds, and he’s already done two sub-10 runs this year alone.
Looking ahead, the big target is the World Championships in Japan later this year. Simbine will likely anchor the 4x100m again, but Walaza? He’s not just there to tag along. The way he’s running, there’s a very real chance we see him push into the individual 100m final, maybe even the podium. Could he beat Akani’s records one day? Maybe. Could he bring home a world title before 21? Don’t bet against it. This isn’t just the rise of a young star, it might be the start of a new track and field era for South Africa.
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