The camp of South African sprinter Bayanda Walaza has allayed any fears he may miss the World Athletics Championships.

Walaza, 19, was named in a 49-member team (32 men and 17 women) for the Championships to be held in Tokyo, Japan, between 13 and 21 September.

However, there were injury concerns after Walaza pulled up with a hamstring injury in the 100m race at the final Diamond League meet in Zurich on Thursday last week.

But Newton Sports Agency – Walaza’s representatives – have confirmed his participaton. He will feature in the 100m for South Africa.

“Walaza has undergone extensive assessment by his medical team. After careful evaluation and consultation with relevant parties, the decision has been made that he will be fully fit to participate in the upcoming world championships,” stated the agency.

“Walaza has resumed his rehabilitation and preparations under close medical and coaching supervision. This decision reflects the commitment of his support team and his own determination to represent South Africa at the highest level, and the team remains confident in his ability to deliver strong performances on the world stage.”

The reigning double under-20 world champion and World Student Games champion will compete in the 100m heats on the opening day of the global showpiece next Saturday.

Walaza is considered a key member of the men’s 4x100m relay team, having been part of the team that won Olympic silver at Paris 2024 and gold at World Relays in China earlier this year.

The 37.61sec clocked by the South African quartet of Walaza, Akani Simbine, Bradley Nkoana and Sinesipho Dambile in May remains the fastest 4x100m time in the world this year.

The news is a boost for the South African team, which is looking to win its first world championship silverware since the 2017 edition in London, after leaving empty-handed from Doha 2019, Eugene 2022 and Budapest 2023.

Additional reporting by TimesLive.