Pillay claims silver at nationals

He finished in 44.80, his personal best for the distance. Wayde van Niekerk claimed the gold medal.

April 9, 2023

Lebohang Pita 1 minute read

Lythe Pillay again showed that he’s ready to take over the baton from South African 400m ace Wayde van Niekerk.

The Brentwood Park resident’s performance in the one-lap dash final on April 1 at the Athletics South Africa Senior Championships in Potchefstroom showed Van Niekerk that when he decides to hang up his spikes, he is ready to fill his boots.

Benonian Lythe Pillay was awarded the junior athlete of the year award at the Central Gauteng Athletics awards (CGA) at Monte Casino on November 13. The 19-year-old Arbor School alumni enjoyed an exceptional season on the national and international circuits in the men’s 400m. He topped his season with a gold medal in the one-lap dash at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Colombia in August, finishing a personal best time of 45.28 seconds. Photo: Kingraphy Studios

Lining up in lane five in the colours of Central Gauteng Athletics, the Arbor Primary alumni kicked into top gear and matched Van Niekerk for pace, only to lose ground on the shoulder toward the home straight.

He finished second in a personal best time of 44.80 behind Van Niekerk, who finished in 44.17, the world-leading time for the distance.

Also Read: Pillay wins gold in one-lap dash at U20 World Championships

Also Read: Outstanding performances at CGA finale