LONDON – Sunette Viljoen's victory in the javelin gave Team SA much to cheer about on a night of mixed fortunes for the Rainbow Nation unit at the World Cup Athletics at the London Stadium in London, England on Saturday.
After a sense of disappointment in ending with the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games at Australia's Gold Coast earlier this year, the experienced Viljoen put in an evening best of 61.69 metres in London, with American Kara Winger finishing as the runner-up with 60.75.
The victory secured the 2016 Olympic silver medalist a handsome payout of US$40 000. The 34-year-old was the only South African to make it to the top of the podium on the first night of the two-day event.
Luxolo Adams collected the silver medal in the 200 metres in 20.45, just behind China's Xie Zhenye (20.25).
National record-holder Carina Horn held her head high in the 100 metres, finishing third in 11.21, with the victory going to American Ashley Henderson (11.07).
The South Africans have left themselves much work to do on Day 02 of the event as the team lies in 6th spot on 73 points, although admittedly Sunday will see the world champions in the hunt for prize-money with Caster Semenya due for action in the women's 800 metres and Luvo Manyonga in the long jump.
The Americans lead the points table on 109, followed by France (85) and Poland (77) respectively.
China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Jamaica, Poland, the US and SA are in action in the world athletics spectacle with one entrant from each country per event allowed.