South Africa's Akani Simbine celebrates winning the men's 100m final with Canada's Andre De Grasse. Reuters/John Sibley

Home » South Africa’s Akani Simbine Streaks to Victory in London 100m Honours

South Africa’s Akani Simbine Streaks to Victory in London 100m Honours

South Africa’s Akani Simbine streaked to a surprise victory in London in the 100 metres race on Saturday at the IAAF Diamond League championships. Simbine was on fire from start to finish, rocketing over the finishing line in 9.93 seconds, a season’s best. The South African athlete surprised all (and thrilled everyone from Africa) at […]

By Jenni Baxter
21-07-19 16:58
in Fab South African Stuff
South Africa's Akani Simbine celebrates winning the men's 100m final with Canada's Andre De Grasse. Reuters/John Sibley

South Africa’s Akani Simbine streaked to a surprise victory in London in the 100 metres race on Saturday at the IAAF Diamond League championships.

South Africa’s Akani Simbine celebrates winning the men’s 100m final with Canada’s Andre De Grasse. Reuters/John Sibley

Simbine was on fire from start to finish, rocketing over the finishing line in 9.93 seconds, a season’s best.

The South African athlete surprised all (and thrilled everyone from Africa) at the London Diamond League Anniversary games with his win, beating double Olympic champion, Jamaican Yohan Blake (the joint second-fastest man in the world!) and local hopeful Zharnel Hughes.

Simbine said afterwards:

I’m really happy with the time. I came here to make sure I got the win to build confidence and I came away with a season’s best.

Simbine has been so close for a few years now. He was placed fifth in the Olympics and World Championships, and won Gold at the Commonwealth Games and African Championships.

The SA athlete is focussed on the world championships in Doha in September, with this win helping him build his confidence for Qatar.

He said:

It’s about getting through the races and winning them so by the time I get to world champs and I’m facing the rest of the world I’ll be ready and the confidence will be there and I’ll be able to believe in the work I’ve done.

WATCH VIDEO: South African Akani Simbine sprints to 100m victory in London