If you are ever given the unenviable task of racing against Sokwakhana Zazini, you need to know three things: he's got as much respect for you as you do for him; he's going to hammer it down from the gun; and he's almost certainly going to beat you.
The latest prospect in a rich history of South African 400m hurdling, Zazini flaunted his immense talent in the final of his favoured event when he coasted to a commanding victory at the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017.
He won gold in 49.27, nearly three seconds clear of his nearest opponent, displaying his potential on the world stage for the first time in his fledgling career.
And though he was delighted to take the top step on the podium, his admittance that he was slightly disappointed not to break his own world U18 best of 48.84 (set in Pretoria in March) offers some insight into the lofty expectations the youngster has already placed on himself.
"It didn't go exactly as planned because I had to change (my lead leg) but I couldn't. I don't know what happened," he said after the race.
"I wanted to break the world record again, but it's fine. I'll take it."
The versatile teenager is a budding phenomenon, but you wouldn't know it unless you watched him run.
Reserved and unassuming, when you meet Zazini for the first time you are greeted with a soft handshake and a warm smile, and he offers none of the bravado that one might expect from a potential global superstar.
When he answers a question in an interview, he takes a brief pause, clearly considering his answer before sharing his thoughts, and it's immediately obvious that Zazini has a careful, analytical approach to the decisions he makes.
It's that same approach which is keeping him grounded.
While he is far and away the best 400m hurdler in the world in his age group, Zazini is careful not to get too far ahead of himself, ensuring he gives his competitors the respect they deserve.
"You never know what might happen, so I'll always stay hungry and I will never look down on my opponents," he says.
Born in the Eastern Cape, the 16-year-old speedster moved to Pretoria last year after receiving a bursary from the TuksSport High School.
Though he has gone on to enjoy a breakthrough season, chopping more than two seconds off his personal best over the barriers, his passion for the sport evolved when he was a child.
"I've always been in love with athletics and hurdles was always my dream event, so I started doing it from a young age and I was able to work on my technique," he says.
"Last year I struggled a bit with my technique and it was hard, but now I'm fine."
The technical aspect of his training, however, has done nothing to hamper his raw speed.
Aside from holding the world U18 400m hurdles best, Zazini also boasts a 400m flat PB of 46.20, which would have made him the fastest athlete in the entry lists in Nairobi last week had he opted to attempt the double.
With many more years ahead to tackle such gruelling tasks, he has wisely chosen to focus on the one-lap event over the barriers for the foreseeable future.
Firmly aware of what he hopes to achieve, Zazini already has his next goal on the back of his mind, and he is eager to make another impact at the IAAF World U20 Championships Tampere 2018.
"After these championships I will focus on next year's World Juniors, which is the main event for us, so I need to push for that."
For now, though the parents of his young opponents might not like them losing, they can at least be grateful that Zazini is able to offer them all a valuable life lesson: there's nothing wrong with second place.
Wesley Botton for the IAAF

If you are ever given the unenviable task of racing against Sokwakhana Zazini, you need to know three things: he's got as much respect for you as you do for him; he's going to hammer it down from the gun; and he's almost certainly going to beat you.

Sokwakhana Zazini – the cool, calm and collected new hurdling star

Pre-race favourite Sokwakhana Zazini hit it hard from the start, dominating the boys' 400m hurdles final with a spectacular performance at the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017 on Saturday night.
Holding the world youth best of 48.84, which he set back in March, Zazini went unchallenged and stormed across the line in 49.27, the third-fastest time in World U18 Championships history.
He finished well clear of Kenya's Moitalel Naadokila who grabbed the silver medal in a personal best of 52.06 to the delight of a large home crowd.
Baptiste Christophe of France took bronze in 52.21, and he too set a career record to earn his place on the podium.
&ldquo;I feel great because I've really been looking forward to this moment, and now it has come. I'm really happy,&rdquo; Zazini said.
"It didn't go exactly as planned because I had to change (my lead leg) but I couldn't. I don't know what happened.
"I wanted to break the world best again, but it's fine. I'll take it."
Wesley Botton for the IAAF

Pre-race favourite Sokwakhana Zazini hit it hard from the start, dominating the boys' 400m hurdles final with a spectacular performance at the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017 on Saturday night.

Report: boys' 400m hurdles – IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017

Athletics South Africa has selected 12 athletes to compete at the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017 from 12-16 July.
The team is spearheaded by Sokwakhana Zazini, who set a world youth 400m hurdles best of 48.84 in Tshwane in March.
Several other athletes will be doubling up, including Julian Bogner in the 110m hurdles and long jump, discus and hammer thrower Tharina van der Walt, and 100m and 200m sprinters Tshenolo Lemao and Retshiditswe Mlenga.
&ldquo;The team may be small team, but it is strong,&rdquo; said ASA President Aleck Skhosana. &ldquo;We believe these athletes will be able to carry the SA flag with pride.&rdquo;
Athletics South Africa for the IAAF
<h3>South African team for IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017</h3>
BOYS 100m: Tshenolo Lemao, Retshiditswe Mlenga 200m: Tshenolo Lemao, Retshiditswe Mlenga 110m hurdles: Julian Bogner 400m hurdles: Sokwakhana Zazini High jump: Breyten Poole Pole vault: Valco van Wyk Long jump: Julian Bogner Discus: Brandon Morne Javelin: Joshua Maas
GIRLS 400m hurdles: Zeney van der Walt, Gontse Morake Discus: Tharina van der Walt Hammer: Tharina van der Walt

Athletics South Africa has selected 12 athletes to compete at the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017 from 12-16 July.

Sokwakhana Zazini – the cool, calm and collected new hurdling star

Report: boys' 400m hurdles – IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017

Zazini leads South Africa’s team for IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017