SA 4x400m Relay Bags Bronze in Tokyo – Here’s How Much Each Athlete Walks Away With
South Africa’s 4x400m relay team thrilled the nation on Sunday, ending an eight-year medal drought at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Wayde van Niekerk, and Zakithi Nene produced a stunning finish to claim bronze in a nail-biting race that went down to thousandths of a second.
SA 4x400m Relay Historic Podium Finish
The SA quartet crossed the line in 2:57.83, matching the United States’ time but narrowly beaten to silver by just 0.002 seconds. Botswana clinched gold with 2:57.76, leaving South Africa to celebrate a hard-fought bronze – the country’s first medal at a world championship since 2017.
The medal was more than just a number; it was a morale boost for the nation and proof that SA sprinting still competes at the highest level.
How Much Did They Earn?
At the 2025 World Championships, World Athletics allocated over US$8.5 million in prize money across 49 events. For relay teams, the payout looked like this:
- Gold: US$80,000
- Silver: US$40,000
- Bronze: US$20,000
- 4th–8th places: US$16,000–US$4,000
South Africa’s bronze earned the team US$20,000 (roughly R370,000), with each athlete taking home US$5,000 (around R92,000) before taxes.
While modest compared to global football or tennis payouts, it’s a substantial reward in athletics and could lead to sponsorship opportunities and endorsements for the team.
Nene and the Team React
Zakithi Nene, who narrowly missed out on an individual 400m medal, admitted the relay bronze was a relief.
“We had our objectives for the relay and I think we delivered, as expected,” Nene said. “The guys ran really well, set me up, and I was glad I could deliver. I’m proud of my brothers – this is just the start of what’s ahead for us.”
Their collective focus and teamwork proved crucial, turning disappointment from earlier events into podium success.
Why This Matters for SA Athletics
This bronze is more than a medal – it’s a statement. Athletics South Africa has struggled on the world stage in recent years, and this finish signals a revival of competitive sprinting. It’s also a motivational boost for upcoming athletes looking to follow in the footsteps of van Niekerk and Pillay.
Financially, the prize money is significant but symbolic; the real reward is national pride and recognition on the global stage. Each athlete now has a tangible reminder of their hard work and a launchpad for future competitions, including the 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
More Than Money: A Medal to Remember
While the bronze brought R92,000 to each athlete, the moment itself carries far more weight. In just under three minutes, the SA team rewrote the narrative of the championships, proving that determination, teamwork, and resilience still define South African athletics.
With Tokyo now behind them, the 4x400m relay squad has set the bar high, leaving fans excited for the next chapter in the country’s sprinting story.
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