Curro is celebrating the stellar achievement of Bayanda Walaza, a Grade 12 learner at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria, who has been selected for the South African team to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Bayanda, who joined Curro on a scholarship, is the first-ever Olympian to emerge from the leading independent school group provider. Currently competing in the 23rd African Senior Championship in Douala, Cameroon, the young sporting star has enjoyed a remarkable year. He made headlines as one of the fastest teenagers in the world, thanks to his astonishing 10.13-second sprint in March 2024.

Bayanda’s distinctive running style with arms swinging wildly has captured the attention and admiration of athletics enthusiasts globally. Bayanda will now join an impressive team of distinguished athletes that includes the fancied relay squads for the 4x400m and 4x100m races. Among them are notable athletes such as Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, Benjamin Richardson, and Bradley Nkoana, all of whom are strong contenders for the podium.

“This is a hugely, historic moment for Curro. Our name is derived from the Latin word meaning “I run’, which perfectly resonates with Bayanda’s exceptional journey, and we are incredibly proud of his fantastic accomplishments. Bayanda’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent embody the spirit of the Group, and we are honoured to have him represent us, and our country on the world stage,” said Curro CEO, Cobus Loubser.

Bayanda Walaza & Coach T

For Bayanda, this opportunity holds deep personal significance. Raised by a single mother since his father’s passing when he was just ten years old, his path to success has been defined by resilience and unwavering determination. He personally sought out Curro Hazeldean due to its renowned athletics programme and coaching expertise. The school continues to wholeheartedly support him, sponsoring his coach to not only accompany him to all events, but also ensure that Bayanda continues to excel academically.

The school’s Thabo Matebedi, better known as Coach T, has been instrumental in Bayanda’s journey, serving as a mentor and a paternal figure, profoundly influencing his personal and athletic development. Coach T’s track record includes mentoring eight African champions, making him a sought-after figure among aspiring athletes nationwide. Under his guidance, Bayanda has made impressive strides, surpassing his previous personal best times by nearly half a second and joining one of three other school athletes to claim South African titles in various under-18 events.

The final South African Olympic team will be confirmed next month, following the completion of the qualification processes for athletics and rugby sevens, with the international summer Olympic games taking place in Paris from Fri, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August 2024. Following this, Bayanda will immediately head to Lima, Peru for the Under 20 World Championships from 27-30 August 2024.