Pillay bags 400m gold in Germany
He also anchored Team SA to silver in the 4x400m mixed relay.
Brentwood Park resident Lythe Pillay delivered a golden performance for South Africa at the Rhine Ruhr FISU World University Games in Germany, storming to victory in the men’s 400m final with a season’s best time of 44.84 seconds.
The 22-year-old sprinter followed up his individual success by helping Team South Africa secure silver in the 4x400m mixed relay. He anchored the team to a podium finish, capping off a standout performance at the multi-sport event.
“It was a good feeling. I came into the champs hoping to save the season, especially by securing qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo,” said Pillay.
“The heats gave me time to rediscover my race and stride in the build-up to the final. The final went really well. I’m chuffed with the time. Winning the medal for my university and country was a big bonus.”
Pillay’s impressive showing at the Universiade qualified him for the Tokyo World Championships in the individual 400m, having already secured qualification in the relay events.
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“Honestly, I do feel like I messed up my exchange in the relay. But I’m glad I was able to put us back into the silver medal position. The vibe was great, the chemistry was cool, and we had a great team. We all supported each other.”
After a rollercoaster season that included injury setbacks, the 2022 World U20 400m champion found the FISU Games to be the perfect platform to rediscover his form. His 44.84 finish was the fifth fastest of his career and the quickest since the 44.58 he ran at the Monaco Diamond League in 2023.
The Arbor Primary alum said the performance was a major step forward in his Tokyo preparations.
“It was a massive confidence booster. It helped me rediscover my racing again and find that sweet spot, as well as my strengths and weaknesses. It was nice to find that fifth gear, go back to training and further refine our approach heading into Tokyo,” said Pillay.
Now that qualification for Tokyo is secured, the 2024 national 400m champion will shift focus to training and may compete in a few events before jetting off to the World Championships, which take place from September 13 to 21 at the Japan National Stadium.
“We’re glad to be back running times my coach and I know I’m capable of. We’re looking forward to the champs and doing damage in both the individual and relay events.”
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