In a setback for South Africa, rising star Bayanda Walaza will miss the World Athletics Championships in Japan.

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

On Wednesday, Athletics South Africa (ASA) confirmed he has been withdrawn from the team due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the final Diamond League meet in Zurich, Switzerland, last month.

“Following a comprehensive medical evaluation, ASA has determined that Walaza’s hamstring injury will prevent him from participating in the championships,” stated the federation.

“The decision has been communicated to the athlete, his coach, and his management. This decision was made in the best interest of the athlete and the integrity of the national team.”

Walaza’s management, Newton Sports Agency, had last week insisted he would be fit for the Championships.

He was scheduled to line up in the 100m heats on the opening day of the showpiece on Saturday, but he’s now replaced by Retshidisitswe Mlenga, who this year became the 10th South African to break 10 seconds in the 100m.

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