Why Babanda Walaza’s Slow Burning Strategy can just be smart
Bayanda Walaza is not the first South African sprinter to turn her head in front of her 20th birthday, but she may have talked the most about the teenager at the moment. Only 19, he is one of the fastest men in the world this year, and he did it without a diamond league debut or college scholarship. Instead, he chose a path that responds to South Africa’s veteran who were recently, Botswana’s permission, Tebogo.
Last weekend, Valaza stopped at 9.94 seconds in 9.94 seconds, new personal best at the bottom of the light. He left Germany’s Owen’s unconstitution for more than a quarter of a second. They watched many fans, it was just another victory. But for those who followed his journey, it was another layer that added remarkable story.
The numbers are bright. This year Valaza has already run below 10 seconds. He belongs to the South African record 9.99 record (which is now 9.94), initially at the beginning of this year. He has been more than 6.58 in the clock on 20.08, and even 46.61 to 400 meters. And he was a member of the South African team, which exploded 37.61 to win 4×100 m relays for winning the world’s anniversary in Guangzhou.
But a minute formed by trauma is followed by a stopwatch. When he was 10 years old, Valaza lost his father with a violent incident. His mother, Tolivi, spoke frankly about the fact that the tragedy took his son and how he entered the emotional consequences. He was looking for counseling for both, knowing that the grief could distort the future, he still hoped that he could have.
Now, Valazan stands not only as a symbol of what can be achieved, but because someone still imagines all that. His decision to stay in South Africa is not about traveling to the US college system, is not about national pride. We are talking about comfort, control and faith in another process. One that has worked before.
For years, the American NCAA has been a magnet for young African talent. Fast Sprinters are often selling at home for scholarships, pursuing better facilities, competition and promise of influence. But that system doesn’t work for everyone. The likes of Akani Simbine proved for a decade ago that staying in South Africa could work well. He trained with consistency, remained near his family and climbed a global stage. The same can be said about the current record holder of 400 m, Wayed Van Neargek.
Recently, such an approach made LETSILE TEBOGO. Prior to the US schools, proposals were shed, he stayed in Botswana, winning notes on Olympic gold and its terms. It seems that Valaza has been painted from the same game.
There is also something to say about his approach to competition. Instead of pursuing early League drawings, Valazan is studying his craftsman in Croatia’s Boris Hanzekovic Memorial and South Africa. These are not the primary TV points, but they offer something else. Proven land without glimps.
It’s a decision that is already repaid. There is less pressure, less deviations and more chances of racial intelligence development. He wins a race, not just driving fast times. And in an era where young athletes can throw and burn even faster, the steady increase in Valasa is surprising.
He’s already faster in 19 than many stars were at that age. But what distinct his story is that he seems to be in a hurry? There is no obsession that pursues every confirmation or head handles. He runs, restores, training and repeat.
Valasa’s ceiling is clearly high, but the root of people makes the root only its speed. This is the way he bears the weight of expectations with calm determination. He doesn’t try to be the next Simbine or Tebogo. He tries to be himself, and it can be even more convincing.
This year has already shown what can do when the conditions are correct. The upcoming challenge is to maintain this rate, stay healthy and continue to improve.
