Flying start to 2026 for Pillay who clocks 44.32 to win CGA title and pens new shoe deal

Just days after winning the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) title in the fastest 400m clocking of the 2026 season thus far, Lythe Pillay has taken a major stride off the track by securing a high-profile endorsement deal with one of the fastest growing sports apparel and shoe brands On. Yesterday (18 March), the Swiss sportswear giant  officially announced that the two-time Olympian had been added to its global athlete roster, signalling a significant move by the brand to sharpen its focus on Africa’s rich athletics talent pool, with Pillay's signing marking a clear statement of intent to deepen its footprint on the continent.

"Lythe is an exceptional talent whose ambition and underdog spirit perfectly mirror our own journey," said On’s athlete manager Silja Mühlebach. "His transition from a child falling in love with the track to a world-class medalist shows a level of dedication that we are incredibly proud to support. Welcoming Lythe is a key step in our mission to grow On’s roster of elite sprinters in Africa, and we look forward to seeing him challenge the status quo."

Pillay has had an excellent start to the 2026 season. Photo Credit: Lebohang Pita.

In a fitting introduction to the collaboration, Pillay wasted no time making an impact in his new colours.Sporting On spikes at the CGA Track and Field Championships on March 14, the 2022 World U20 champion delivered a thunderous performance, powering to victory in the senior men's 400m in 44.32 seconds — the second-fastest time of his career. Buoyed by his new shoe deal, the King Edwards School Alumnus came within a whisker of his personal best of 44.31, set at the ASA Senior Championships in 2024, underlining his consistency and growing authority in the one-lap event. 

"The support and energy from On has been nothing short of exciting and inspiring. They are just as invested in my future, goals and ambitions as I am and have shown me massive support already," Pillay told #TheTopRunner.

Pillay has signed with Swiss sports shoe and apparel giant On as they look to tap into the growing African sprinting market. Photo Credit: Supplied.

Fresh off his triumph at the 2025 World Student Games and a bronze medal with the national men’s 4x400m relay team at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Pillay said the partnership feels natural, citing a strong alignment with the brand’s vision and values as he continues to build momentum on the global stage. The 23-year-old, coached by Lindy du Plessis, said the collaboration excites him and will channel their collective effort toward reaching the next level of the sport.

"I do believe that myself and On can, not only reach the highest attainable goals in the sport, but can also show the world how to push and pioneer human and technological limits. I feel that both myself and On are at a point on our lifespan where we are on the verge of establishing ourselves as household names and place ourselves amongst the heavy hitters in the sport and industry."