Walaza's injury could have a knock-on effect

Not only is it a big blow for the youngster, but Bayanda Walaza's absence from the SA team for the World Athletics Championships could have an effect on the relay squad's medal chances.

- Wesley Botton

Walaza picked up a hamstring injury in the recent Diamond League final in Zurich, and while his management team claimed he would be ready to race in Tokyo, Athletics South Africa confirmed on Wednesday he had been withdrawn.

The 19-year-old SA junior 100m record holder has one of the fastest starts in international sprinting and he played a key role in the national squad securing a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at last year's Olympic Games in Paris.