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South African Olympic silver medalist Bayanda Walaza, at just 18 years old, has made a bold decision that sets him apart.
Instead of accepting offers from three prestigious United States universities, Walaza has chosen to stay in South Africa.
His decision is rooted in loyalty to his coach, Thabo “Coach T” Matebedi, who guided him to two World Athletics U20 Championships Gold medals and an Olympic Silver medal.
While many athletes would jump at the chance to train in the US, where resources and opportunities are abundant, Walaza is sticking to his roots. He believes his success is closely tied to the unique training style and support system provided by Coach Matebedi. Walaza’s commitment to his coach highlights a deep sense of trust and gratitude.
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Doing studies with athletics
Walaza plans to study logistics at the University of Pretoria next year, staying close to both his coach and his home. He is currently a pupil at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria, where he is preparing for his matric preliminary exams.
Despite the academic pressure, Walaza remains focused on his athletic career and the partnership that has brought him so much success.
The young sprinter’s meteoric rise began with a 4x100m Olympic silver at the Paris Games last month, where he ran the first leg of the relay. His lightning-fast start and powerful running style have made him a standout on the track.
However, his of swinging his arms and jerking his head in the final stretch of a race has raise concerns among some traditionalists.
The 4×100m Olympic Silver-winning team also consists of Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine who was the anchor.
“I’ll stay here” – Bayanda Walaza
Walaza’s decision to stay in South Africa reflects his belief that changing coaches could disrupt his progress.
“I’m not going to change coaches because that can cause a lot of difficulties,” he explained.
Walaza is confident that Coach Matebedi’s methods, which have already brought him significant success, will continue to propel him forward.
On his return from Peru, where he won the 100m and 200m crowns in the age-group competition, Walaza reiterated his commitment to staying in South Africa.
He acknowledged the offers from US colleges but remained firm in his choice to stay. “I’ve got a lot of offers from US colleges, but I told them, ‘I’ll stay here,’” he said.
As Walaza prepares for his future, both academically and athletically, his decision to remain in South Africa is a testament to his loyalty and belief in the power of his current support system.
It’s a rare choice in a world where many would seek the glamour and resources of the US, but for Walaza, staying true to his roots is the path to continued success.
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