JUST ANNOUNCED: Bayanda Walaza’s second consecutive loss at the Racers Grand Prix, Tina Clayton’s new season’s best and Tobi Amusan’s fourth-place finish at the same event, and various other events like the World Athletics Championships and London Marathon…

JUST ANNOUNCED: Bayanda Walaza’s second consecutive loss at the Racers Grand Prix, Tina Clayton’s new season’s best and Tobi Amusan’s fourth-place finish at the same event, and various other events like the World Athletics Championships and London Marathon

 

The 2025 edition of the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica delivered a thrilling evening of elite sprinting, surprises, and standout performances — but for South Africa’s rising star Bayanda Walaza, it marked another setback. Walaza, once touted as one of Africa’s most promising young sprinters, suffered his second consecutive loss at the meet, raising questions about his current form just weeks ahead of the Paris Diamond League.

Walaza clocked a modest 10.22 seconds in the men’s 100m, placing sixth in a field loaded with regional and international talent. His defeat follows a narrow loss at the same meet last year, where he had been tipped as a potential winner. Analysts believe that while Walaza is still a strong prospect, he may need to revisit his race strategy and training in the final stretch before the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this summer.

In contrast, Jamaica’s Tina Clayton delivered a strong statement with a season’s best of 11.02 seconds in the women’s 100m. The former World U20 champion showcased her signature top-end speed to claim second place behind American sprinter Tamari Davis, who won in 10.96. Clayton’s performance signals a return to form after an injury-disrupted 2024, and it places her among the leading Jamaican contenders ahead of national trials.

Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s 100m hurdles world record holder, had a mixed outing in Kingston, finishing fourth in a highly competitive women’s hurdles final. Amusan, who has had a relatively quiet season by her standards, posted a time of 12.59 seconds. The race was won by American Nia Ali in 12.45, followed closely by Jamaica’s Megan Tapper. Despite the result, Amusan remains a top threat as she looks to peak in time for Tokyo.

Beyond the Racers Grand Prix, the global athletics calendar has been packed with high-stakes action. At the 2025 London Marathon, Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele stunned the field with a tactical masterclass, securing victory in 2:03:12 — the fastest marathon time ever run by an athlete over 40. In the women’s race, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich powered to the win in 2:17:34, reaffirming her status as one of the all-time greats in marathon running.

Meanwhile, preparations intensify for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, set for late August in Tokyo. National trials across the world are ongoing, with several world-leading marks already posted. American sprinter Noah Lyles opened his season with a 19.74-second run over 200m at the Prefontaine Classic, while Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone returned to the 400m hurdles with an easy win in 52.12 seconds — both performances indicating strong readiness for championship form.

With less than three months to go until the world gathers in Tokyo, athletes are entering a crucial phase in their preparation. While stars like Tina Clayton and Bekele are peaking at the right time, others like Walaza and Amusan will need to find their rhythm soon if they hope to make a lasting impact in one of the most anticipated seasons in athletics history.