South African sprint sensation Akani Simbine has sent shockwaves through the track and field world with a blistering 9.90-second 100-meter dash at the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix.
What makes this performance even more remarkable is that he achieved it against a -1.4 headwind, a condition that typically slows runners down. This is the kind of time athletes usually produce in perfect, wind-assisted conditions, yet Simbine defied the odds and delivered a masterclass in sprinting.
Simbine dominated against some of Africa’s top sprinters, including Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala. He now holds the fastest 100m time of the 2025 season, surpassing Bayanda Walaza’s previous season-best of 9.99 set in March.
While Simbine proves he’s a top contender, Noah Lyles still holds the lead in the current World Athletics 100m rankings. Fresh from his 2024 Olympic gold, the American superstar leads Simbine by only 11 points in the current global standings. However, Lyles has yet to open his 2025 100m campaign.
The competition between Simbine and Lyles extends beyond the 100m. Simbine boasts a personal best of 9.82 seconds, set during last year’s Olympics, while Lyles’ lifetime best stands at an astonishing 9.76. In the 200m, the gap is wider, Simbine’s best is 19.95, whereas Lyles holds the American record at 19.31.
Despite the differences in their specialty events, their head-to-head clashes in Diamond League meets and major championships have been electrifying.
At last year’s Olympics, he broke his South African record, proving he’s still at his peak. With a 9.90 into a headwind, Simbine warns Lyles and rivals, the throne is his target
The 2025 World Championships will feature a highly anticipated showdown between Simbine and Lyles. Lyles, known for his explosive finishes and charismatic persona, will undoubtedly respond once he opens his season. Meanwhile, Simbine’s latest performance has set the bar high, proving that he thrives under pressure.
