The South African men’s 4x100m relay team closed out the Athletics contingent’s campaign in style on Saturday, taking the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
The quartet, consisting of Henricho Bruintjies, Emile Erasmus, Anaso Jobodwana and Akani Simbine took second place in 38.24 seconds to break the SA record of 38.35 which had been set in the final of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
While Simbine had some ground to make up, the individual 100m champion chased down the Jamaican and Australian teams, crossing the line 0.11 behind England.
“I’m really happy I could push us into the medals and just get that medal for South Africa,” Simbine said.
Javelin thrower Phil-Mar Janse van Rensburg finished fourth in the final of his specialist discipline.
Producing a best heave of 79.83m, he was disappointed not to find a place on the podium, but Janse van Rensburg remained positive about the rest of the season, setting his sights on the African Championships to be held in Asaba later this year.
“This is my third competition for the year, so I’m still on the upward curve and from here on we’ll see how it goes, but I’m still confident,” van Rensburg said.
The SA athletics team earned 13 medals, including five gold, over the week-long track and field competition, contributing more medals to the Team SA tally than any other code represented at the Games.
“We are overwhelmed with joy that once again our athletes have been spot on in their performances,” said Aleck Skhosana, the President of ASA. “We are proud of each of them for keeping our flag flying, ensuring that our respect is earned.”
