South Africa has secured a historic silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the Olympic Games in Paris, setting an African record of 37.57 seconds in a dramatic race.
The team of Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi and Akani Simbine claimed second place at the Stade de France on Friday.
Simbine, running the anchor leg, made up significant ground to steer South Africa to silver behind Canada, who took gold, clocking 37.50 and Great Britain finished third in a time of 37.61.
It marks South Africa’s first ever medal in the men’s 4x100m relay.
Defending champions Italy finished fourth, while the United States were disqualified after initially crossing the line seventh.
The US team, missing 100m champion Noah Lyles due to Covid-19, suffered a botched first baton handover.
It continues their disappointing Olympic run in the event, with their last medal coming in 2004.
