World Athletics Championships 2025 Betting Preview – Team South Africa in Tokyo

Published by World Sports Betting

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will bring the curtain down on an electrifying year of track and field. South Africa is sending one of its strongest squads in recent memory, with 49 athletes flying the flag from 13–21 September.

Among the big names are 400m world record-holder Wayde van Niekerk, sprint powerhouse Akani Simbine, and rising star Bayanda Walaza, all of whom will be aiming to bring medals back to the Rainbow Nation. Joining them are world indoor 800m champion Prudence Sekgodiso and Olympic javelin medallist Jo-Ane du Plessis, ensuring representation across multiple disciplines.

Athletics South Africa President James Moloi described the team as a reflection of “dedication, resilience, and hard work,” noting that the blend of experience and youth makes this a particularly exciting squad.

Can Akani Sprint to glory?

🔥 Akani Simbine – “The Sub-10 King” (66/1)

Having broken Usain Bolt’s record for most consecutive seasons under 10 seconds, Simbine heads to Tokyo with renewed belief. Now labelled the “Sub-10 King”, he finally shed his “nearly man” tag after anchoring SA’s 4x100m relay to silver at the Paris Olympics.

• Betting Outlook: At 66/1, Simbine is a dark horse but not without a real shot, particularly if he can rediscover his early-season world-leading form.

MAIN CONTENDERS

⚡ Kishane Thompson – Favourite (17/20)

The Jamaican speedster is the market leader after running 9.75s, the fastest time of 2025. Narrowly missing Olympic gold by 0.005s, Thompson will arrive in Tokyo with unfinished business.

🇺🇸 Noah Lyles – Defending Champion (12/5)

The outspoken American thrives on the big stage and is hunting a third straight global 100m crown. Though injury has hampered his 2025 campaign, his PB of 9.79s keeps him firmly in the mix.

🇯🇲 Oblique Seville – Podium Hopeful (7/2)

A consistent finalist, Seville is edging closer to gold after clocking 9.83s this season. His odds suggest a real chance of upsetting the favourites.

400m Medal Hunt – Zakithi Nene (14/1)

Nene enters Tokyo as the fastest man in the world over 400m in 2025, having smashed through the sub-44 second barrier with a time of 43.76s. Following in the footsteps of Van Niekerk, the 27-year-old is one of South Africa’s best medal hopes.

Event Highlights (SA Times)

Day 1 – Saturday, 13 September

• 01:00 – Men’s 35km Race Walk Final

• 04:23 – Men’s 100m Preliminary Round

• 11:50 – Women’s 1500m Heats

• 13:30 – Women’s 10,000m Final

• 14:20 – 4x400m Relay Final

Day 2 – Sunday, 14 September

• 01:00 – Women’s Marathon Final

• 12:40 – Women’s Long Jump Final

• 13:30 – Men’s 10,000m Final

• 14:20 – Men’s 100m Final

Day 6 – Thursday, 18 September

• 14:10 – Men’s 400m Final

• 14:24 – Women’s 400m Final

Day 9 – Sunday, 21 September

• 11:30 – Women’s High Jump Final

• 12:25 – Men’s 4x400m Relay Final

• 12:55 – Men’s 1500m Decathlon

Betting Suggestion – Men’s 100m Final

It’s hard to look past Kishane Thompson (17/20), but with Simbine (66/1) running into form and Seville (7/2) improving with each outing, punters may find value in an each-way punt on Simbine. His experience and consistency could deliver another podium finish.

Bet With the Best at WSB

Whether you’re backing South Africa’s sprint stars or spreading your wagers across global favourites, World Sports Betting has you covered with markets on every event in Tokyo.

👉 Place your bets now at wsb.co.za and always Bet With the Best.