Curro Hazeldean learner now fastest teenager on the planet
26 April 2024Update: 26 April 2024
In the last few days, Bayanda has achieved yet another significant milestone. He secured his spot on South Africa's 4 x 100 relay national team. This gives the Grade 12 learner from Curro Hazeldean the chance to compete at the prestigious 2024 World Athletics Relays on the weekend of 4 to 6 May 2024 in the Bahamas. This is an Olympic qualifying event, with top-performing relay teams from over 40 countries vying for top medals.
Watch this space!
Original article: 10 April 2024
Bayanda Walaza, a Grade 12 learner at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria, has captured global attention as the fastest teenager on the planet. Since joining Curro on a scholarship, Bayanda's dedication to both academics and athletics has propelled him to unprecedented success, setting the stage for a successful journey ahead.
The youngster's journey to the pinnacle of sprinting showcases the transformative power of education and perseverance. Despite his extraordinary speed on the track, Bayanda remains grounded and committed to his studies, receiving academic support without compromising his training regimen.
Records galore for this young sprinter
At just 18 years old, Bayanda has shattered records and expectations with his exceptional performances. His recent triumph at the South African Junior Championships, where he claimed the titles in both the u20 100m and 200m events, solidified his status as the fastest teenager in the world. With a blistering time of 10.13 seconds in the 100m and a staggering 20.34 seconds in the 200m, Bayanda's dominance is undeniable.
Under the expert guidance of the school’ Coach T, Bayanda has made remarkable strides in surpassing his previous personal best times, shaving off nearly half a second. Coach T, also known as Thabo Matebedi, holds an illustrious record of mentoring eight African champions and continues to attract aspiring athletes from across the country who seek his guidance and coaching expertise.
World championships up next
As Bayanda sets his sights on the World U20 Track & Field Championships in Lima, Peru later this year, his school is proud to support his pursuit of excellence. “Despite the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, Bayanda's determination and focus have pushed him to the forefront of his sport, and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievements both on and off the track,” says Pierre Le Roux, Executive Head of Curro Hazeldean.
Reflecting on his journey, Bayanda remains resolute in his ambitions for the future. With big dreams of competing in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as well as pursuing a degree in BCom Logistics at either the University of Pretoria or Tshwane University of Technology, Bayanda is ready to continue his ascent to greatness.
"I will forever be grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given so far. Having the support of the Curro scholarship has been instrumental in my academic and sporting journey. I am incredibly excited to represent South Africa on the world stage and make my mark in Peru," said Bayanda.
As he prepares to embark on his first international journey to Peru, Bayanda carries with him the hopes and dreams of a nation. He has his sights set on victory and a medal in both the 100m and 200m events and is ready to showcase his talent to the world. Watch this space.
Here are some news articles about Bayanda: