By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Sprint star Gift Leotlela has sparked celebrations across Elite and the wider Qwaqwa community after storming to a sensational victory at the Diamond League opener in Shanghai/Keqiao, China, on Saturday.
Leotlela stunned a world-class 100m field by clocking a blistering 9.97 seconds in a dramatic photo finish, edging out Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala and American sprinter Kenny Bednarek, who both finished in 9.98 seconds.
The race featured some of the world’s biggest sprint names, including fellow South African Akani Simbine, Botswana Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo and American star Trayvon Bromell, but it was Leotlela who powered to his first-ever Diamond League victory.
Back home, excitement swept through Elite and surrounding communities as residents, former teachers and schoolmates hailed the achievement as a proud moment for Qwaqwa.
Former Sentinel Primary School principal Jon Moloi said the community was thrilled to see one of its own shine on the global stage.
“Once a Senti, always a Senti,” said Moloi.
“As the Elite community, we are proud of Gift and what he continues to achieve. He has shown young people from Qwaqwa that it is possible to compete with the best in the world.”
Congratulatory messages flooded community social media platforms soon after the race, with many praising Leotlela for remaining humble while proudly representing his roots.
Responding to the outpouring of support, Sara Leotlela thanked the community and confirmed that the messages had been shared with the sprint star.
“Good afternoon Elitians. I have passed messages of congratulations to Tlotliso, o leboha haholo feela. Thank you so much for all your support and love,” she wrote.
Leotlela, whose personal best stands at 9.87 seconds, described the victory as a major milestone in his career.
“It means a lot to win my first-ever Diamond League,” he said after the race. “It is my first time in China, so to finish number one was a great feeling.”
The Qwaqwa-born athlete also made his ambitions clear for the season, saying he is targeting gold at the Commonwealth Games and strong performances at the Ultimate Championships later this year.
For many in Qwaqwa, Leotlela’s triumph is about more than athletics success. It is a powerful reminder that talent from small communities can rise to the world stage while carrying the pride and hopes of home.
