Tshepo Tshite on missing the final by 0.01 seconds .

SA ’ s female athletes also delivered some real positives . In the 800m , Prudence Sekgodiso finished second in her heat with another sub-2 time of 1:59.72 , and in her semi-final she was looking great after a strong first lap , until disaster struck just after the bell . An accidental clash with the USA ’ s Athing Mu saw the South African crash out of contention . A fall can easily happen in a tightly bunched race , and she will undoubtedly learn valuable lessons from this experience .

Prudence Sekgodiso on confidence and taking on the world ’ s best .

Zeney van der Walt also came to Budapest ready to race , having decided to attempt a 400m / 400m hurldes double at World Champs level for the first time . She made the semi-final of both events , and it was great experience , but she said afterwards she will likely

Zeney van der Walt talks about the challenges of ‘ doubling .’

On the road , it was particularly pleasing to see Irvette van Zyl finish the women ’ s marathon . She crossed the line 45th in 2:37:54 , having survived the hot , humid conditions , even moving up from 54th to 45th in the last 10km , but the best part was that she finished the race . She had previously been selected for the Olympic Marathon three times in her career , but due to injuries at inopportune moments , had never been able to complete a race at the global level . Now , in her debut at the World Champs , she set that record straight , and will likely be hoping for another chance at the Olympic Marathon next year .

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Clarence Munyai was all smiles after helping the SA 4x100m relay team qualify for the final , but a dropped baton in the final robbed SA of its last medal opportunity

Image : Norrie Williamson