South African sprinting star Akani Simbine continued his blistering 2025 form with yet another dominant 100m victory at the adidas Atlanta City Games on Saturday.
Simbine clocked a wind-assisted 9.86 seconds, comfortably ahead of Nigeria’s Udodi Onwuzurike (10.05). Deandre Daley of Jamaica secured third in 10.12 seconds.
While the tailwind of 2.3 metres per second rendered the time ineligible for record purposes, the emphatic win extended his unbeaten streak this season and underlined his status as one of the world’s top sprinters.
But for Simbine, it’s more than just fast times—it’s about earning respect and inspiring the next generation.
“I think it’s recognition that is true—you know, it’s not off of just air,” he said after the race. “I’m really excited to be part of the recognition coming out of South Africa for sprinting. It’s exciting to have a group coming after me—it pushes me to keep getting better.”
Fresh off winning gold with Team South Africa in the 4x100m relay at the World Relays in Guangzhou last weekend, Simbine has now triumphed in all four of his 100m races this year—including earlier wins in Botswana and two on the Diamond League circuit in China.
Reflecting on the race in Atlanta, Simbine described it as relaxed and enjoyable.
“There was no pressure today. I just came out and ran—no stress,” he explained. “Even if there’s no one beside you to chase, there’s always the line. That keeps you focused. I was happy with my start and how I executed.”
Despite the comfortable win, the 30-year-old is still striving for improvement. He said he plans to study the race footage and continue working on putting together a complete race as the season progresses.
“It’s about refining each phase. We’ve got time this season to work on those details. I’m happy with where I’m at and really looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Simbine’s Journey to Success
Akani Simbine’s journey to becoming a world-class sprinter has been marked by dedication, hard work, and resilience. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Simbine has consistently demonstrated his talent on the track, earning accolades at various international competitions. His commitment to training and improvement has allowed him to push the boundaries of his performance.
Simbine’s victory at the Adidas Atlanta City Games adds to his growing list of accomplishments, positioning him as a key player in the global athletics scene. His success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially in South Africa, where track and field sports are becoming increasingly popular.
