Mzansi Magic! Lythe Pillay Bags Gold at Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games!
South Africa is celebrating a new athletics hero! Lythe Tyresse Pillay has stormed to victory in the men's 400m final at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Bochum, Germany. Pillay's impressive performance saw him clock a season's best time of 44.84 seconds, leaving his competitors in the dust.
The race, held at the Lohrheidestadion on Wednesday, saw Pillay dominate from start to finish. Hungary’s Patrik Simon Enyingi finished second with a time of 45.41 seconds, while Italy's Edoardo Scotti claimed the bronze medal in 45.61 seconds. Jack Raftery from Ireland narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth.
Pillay's victory is a significant achievement for South African athletics. In his post-race interview, a thrilled Pillay expressed his joy and ambition: "Finishing the season off with a gold, that’s huge, man. I’m happy. I’ve been chasing this all year," he said. He also emphasized his drive to improve further, stating, "I feel like I have more work to do, which I think is a good thing. But I’ll also enjoy the moment now."
Pillay also highlighted the honor of representing his country and university at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games. "It’s not easy, not at all easy. I’m honoured to have won, representing my country, my university. It’s also a nice competition to wake me up again," he added.
The full results of the Men’s 400m Final are as follows:
- 1st: Lythe Tyresse Pillay (South Africa) - 44.84
- 2nd: Patrik Simon Enyingi (Hungary) - 45.41
- 3rd: Edoardo Scotti (Italy) - 45.61
Congratulations to Lythe Pillay on this incredible achievement! South Africa is proud!