World University Games Champion and World U20 Gold Medalist Lythe Pillay Joins On’s Global Athlete Roster
The 400m standout is the first professional South African athlete to join the Swiss brand’s growing track and field roster, signaling a strategic expansion into Africa’s sprinting elite.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 18, 2026 — Swiss sportswear brand On today announced the addition of South African 400m standout Lythe Pillay to its global athlete roster. A two-time Olympian and a cornerstone of South Africa’s elite sprinting core, Pillay’s signing marks a significant milestone as On continues to broaden its footprint and invest in the immense talent pool of the African continent.
Pillay’s rise to the top of the international stage has been defined by consistent excellence. After falling in love with athletics during his first year of primary school, he quickly ascended the ranks to become the 2022 World U20 Champion in Cali, Colombia. He has since solidified his status as a global powerhouse, representing South Africa at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The 2025 season proved to be a career-defining year for Pillay. He captured the gold medal at the World University Games, showcasing his dominance as an individual competitor, before playing a pivotal role in securing a historic bronze medal in the men’s 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. With a blistering personal best of 44.31 seconds, Pillay is widely regarded as one of the most promising quarter-milers in the world.
"I felt a deep connection with On because we share that same hunger and drive to establish ourselves as household names among the giants of the industry," said Lythe Pillay. "Both the brand and I have a point to prove to the world, and I’m excited to collaborate and channel that collective effort toward reaching the next level of the sport."
The partnership underscores On’s commitment to diversifying its professional roster and strengthening its presence in key athletic hubs. By signing Pillay, On is tapping into South Africa’s rich sprinting heritage, positioning the brand at the forefront of the next generation of African speed.
"Lythe is an exceptional talent whose ambition and underdog spirit perfectly mirror our own journey," said Silja Mühlebach, Athlete Manager at On. "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."
Beyond his athletic prowess, Pillay embodies a dual-career mindset. He is currently pursuing a BCom in Accounting, with the intention of extending his expertise into the business and financial industries following his career on the track.
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About On
On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Sixteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® and LightSpray™ innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.
On is present in more than 80 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.