This year’s Racers Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling spectacle as four talented South African sprinters join the international field of elite athletes confirmed to compete at the event slated for the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Making their debuts are Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Gift Leotlela, and Naeem Jack.
Walaza and Leotlela will line up for the highly competitive 100m sprint, while Dambile and Jack will take on the 200m event.
Walaza and Dambile, fresh off their remarkable victory as part of South Africa’s 4x100m relay team at the World Relays in China, are arriving with confidence and momentum. The quartet, anchored by national icon Akani Simbine, secured a commanding win with a world-leading time of 37.61 seconds, setting the stage for their individual exploits in Kingston.
For Walaza, competing at the Racers Grand Prix is a dream realized. “Honestly, it’s a dream come true! I’ve grown up watching this meet and to now be running in it as a senior, that’s wild! I’m super excited to test myself against some of the best in the world and just soak up the whole experience,” he said with palpable enthusiasm.
Dambile, who recently added a global gold medal to his accolades, views the Racers Grand Prix as the ideal platform to sharpen his competitive edge ahead of the looming World Championships. “It’s one of the best platforms in the world to race. After everything I’ve come through, I wanted to test myself against the best – and this is the perfect place to do that,” he explained.
Leotlela, meanwhile, is hoping for a great experience in Jamaica as he works his way back to his best. “Every race has its own challenges, so my goal is to just stay relaxed and execute. I haven’t travelled much recently, so just experiencing a new environment, meeting fellow athletes, and taking in the Jamaican vibe is something I’m looking forward to.”
Naeem Jack
Jack is hoping that the Racers Grand Prix will jump-start his career as a senior athlete and an out-and-out sprinter after success at the South African National Championships.
“I’m just excited to go head-to-head with top sprinters and see what I can learn. I’m new to this level, so every opportunity counts.
I’ll be racing the 200m. I’m still a hurdler at heart, but after the SA Champs, this event has definitely opened up for me.”
According to Jack he is inspired by two particular Jamaicans.
“Rasheed Broadbell as a hurdler, I look up to him big time and Shericka Jackson her power in the 200m is crazy,” he revealed.
