Nene sets world lead in men's 400m in Nairobi

National champion Zakithi Nene was the best of the South African athletes on the international track and field circuit this weekend, setting a new world lead in the men's 400m event.

Nene stopped the clock at 43.76 seconds at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on Saturday, becoming the second SA athlete to run under 44 seconds over the one-lap distance after world record holder Wayde van Niekerk. Nene finished well clear of Nigerian athlete Chidi Okezie who took second place in 44.98.

National junior record holder Bayanda Walaza also impressed in the men's 100m race, though he settled for the runner-up spot.

He got off to a good start but the athletes were called back by the starter, and though there were no disqualifications for a false start, they were made to go again and this time Walaza looked a little hesitant out the blocks the second time.

He nonetheless delivered another impressive result, crossing the finish line in 10.03, with Lachlan Kennedy of Australia securing top spot in 9.98.

Among a large contingent of SA athletes competing in Nairobi, Shaun Maswanganyi also managed to find a place on the podium. He took second place in the men's 200m contest in a season's best 20.47 in the absence of compatriot Sinesipho Dambile, who withdrew ahead of the race.

Liberian athlete Joseph Fahnbulleh triumphed in 20.40, chasing down Maswanganyi in the battle for the line.

Later in the programme, Maswanganyi went on to finish fourth in the 100m race in 10.24.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, Mondray Barnard took second position at the Irena Szewinska Memorial, a World Athletics Continental Tour meeting in Bydgoszcz. He clocked 13.49, with Belgian athlete Elie Bacari taking the win in 13.43.

"We are delighted with these performances as they work their way towards the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan in September," said James Moloi, who was re-elected as the President of Athletics South Africa om Saturday.

"We are also really thrilled with Zakithi for the leading time he set in the process. He is just flying on the track with continued brilliant performances. We congratulate him, the coaches and their support team for such an achievement."