Olympian Lythe Pillay delivered a statement performance, clocking a blistering lifetime best of 31.58 seconds to win his 300m heat at the inaugural SuperSport Simbine Classic at Pilditch Stadium on April 28.

Fresh off claiming his second national 400m title at the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships in Stellenbosch, Pillay carried that momentum into the country’s first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting, hosted by sprint star Akani Simbine.

In a thrilling heat, Zakithi Nene – who recently secured victory at the Kip Keino Classic in Kenya – exploded out of the blocks. Pillay, however, remained composed through the bend, gradually closing the gap on Gardeo Isaacs on the outside.

The Brentwood Park resident timed his charge to perfection, reeling in Nene down the home straight and surging past him in the final metres to seal the win.

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Despite his victory, Pillay placed second overall behind Zambian Muzala Samukonga, who produced the fastest time of the night with 31.38 in the second heat.

“My plan was to play around with my technique,” Pillay said. “I’m testing a few things that I want to implement in the 400m, and I think it went well. It’s a nice event – shorter than the 400m but longer than the 200m – so you can really push and see what happens.”

While not his specialist distance, Pillay believes the 300m serves as a valuable gauge of both speed and endurance, especially in a growing, competitive field.

“It’s a great midpoint where you can measure your speed against your speed endurance. There’s not much at stake in terms of the 400m, so it gives us a chance to experiment while still competing at a high level,” he added.

Pillay also praised the Simbine Classic, highlighting its importance in elevating South African athletics.

“This kind of competition is exactly what we need. We’re not only producing world-class athletes, but we’re also proving we can host world-class events.

“It gives our families and fans the chance to see us compete at that level against international opposition.”

The Benoni-based sprinter, coached by Lindi du Plessis at Boksburg Stadium, now shifts focus to the upcoming World Athletics Relays at the Botswana National Stadium, where South Africa’s men’s 4x400m team will look to defend their title.

“We’re ready,” he said. “I believe in myself and the team. It’s a great opportunity to show our strength when we line up against the best in the world.”

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