Akani Simbine dazzles with world-leading 100m time at Botswana Golden Grand Prix

South African sprinting star Akani Simbine marked his return to the track with a stunning performance at the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, clocking the fastest 100 metres time in the world this year at 9.90 seconds.

This electrifying achievement comes on the heels of Simbine’s bronze medal win in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, showcasing his momentum and prowess as he transitions back to the outdoor sprinting scene.

Competing under challenging conditions, with a headwind recorded at -1.4m/sec, Simbine engaged in an intense face-off with Kenya’s record-breaking sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala. While Omanyala has garnered attention with his impressive credentials, it was Simbine who thundered ahead in the closing metres, ultimately securing his position as the leading sprinter in the world this season.

The Botswana Grand Prix was not only a stage for Simbine; it also highlighted the emerging talent within South African athletics. In the women’s 100m event, 17-year-old Hanna Hope Vermaak showcased her remarkable potential, winning with a time of 11.44 seconds, which saw her tie with runner-up, Viwe Jingqi, in a surprising finish that promises excitement for the future of sprinting in South Africa.

The competition was further enriched by the departure of former world 400m hurdles record-holder, Dalilah Muhammad, who continued her farewell season with an impressive victory in the women’s 400m hurdles.

The 2019 world champion clocked an impressive 53.81 seconds, leaving her American counterpart, Cassandra Tate, trailing in second place at 55.59 seconds. In a closely contested men’s race, South Africa’s Njabulo Mbatha clinched victory with a time of 49.06 seconds, further contributing to the home nation’s impressive athletic showcase.

The event also highlighted the thrill of the 200m races, with South Africa’s Luxolo Adams and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo drawing attention as they prepared to face off. Tebogo, the African record-holder and Paris Olympic champion, bolstered his reputation with a commanding performance, winning the race in 20.23 seconds, while Adams secured second place with a time of 20.42 seconds. The earlier 200m race was won by South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile, who finished strong at 20.01 seconds.

As the athletics season heats up, Simbine’s outstanding performance signals not only personal achievement but a larger narrative of South Africa’s growing strength in track and field. With the continental and global championships fast approaching, the excitement of the track promises thrilling competition and breathtaking moments, as athletes like Simbine strive to leave their mark.