Shaun Maswanganyi (right) of team South Africa passes the baton to Sinesipho Dambile during their 4x100m relay semi-final in Tokyo. Photo: Imago

South African sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi is over the moon after signing a lucrative sponsorship deal with one of the world’s top brands.

South African sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi may have had a poor outing at the 2025 World Championships but he still has something to celebrate.

Maswanganyi headed to Tokyo hoping for a great outing with Team South Africa’s 4x100m relay team but had it rough, first failing to finish their semi-final heat after being obstructed, before they got a second bite when they were allowed to run their semi-final alone, following an appeal.

However, they failed to hit the qualifying time after clocking 38.64 seconds in the re-run, exiting the championships in disappointing fashion.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Maswanganyi had gone to the World Championships just after landing a lucrative deal, having signed a big-money contract by joining sports apparel giants Nike, who are valued at $104 billion.

The 24-year-old NCAA sprinting standout has expressed his delight at joining Nike, explaining how he is now happy to be his family’s breadwinner after his parents took care of everything before.

All my life, my parents worked for a check. Now, I’m proud to say I work for the check.Honored to join the Nike family. A dream come true, and just the beginning of the work ahead.🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/EAlF8JHpbC

“All my life, my parents worked for a check. Now, I’m proud to say I work for the check,” Maswanganyi posted on social media. “Honored to join the Nike family. A dream come true, and just the beginning of the work ahead,” he further wrote.

Maswanganyi is the latest African track and field star to join Nike following in the footsteps of compatriot Caster Semenya as well as Kenyan legends Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon.

The Paris Olympics 4x100m relay silver medalist had earlier explained how injuries made his 2025 season hell but was grateful nonetheless to feature at the World Championships.

Thinking about the past year in the shadows, fighting fate with one hand tied. Health. Injuries. Every time I got close, I was pulled back. The pain is costly, but it keeps teaching me patience. All in due time. Arigato gozaimasu. 🙏🏽🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/3nNbKrhZ4S

“Thinking about the past year in the shadows, fighting fate with one hand tied. Health. Injuries. Every time I got close, I was pulled back. The pain is costly, but it keeps teaching me patience. All in due time. Arigato gozaimasu,” he had posted on X earlier on Wednesday.