South African star Akani Simbine has turned the men’s 100m into his personal playground, consistently hitting the podium at every major meet so far this year. First, second, third, it doesn’t matter, he’s always there.
The Rome showdown promises fireworks, pitting Kerley’s ferocious 9.76s personal best against Simbine’s ice-cool 9.82s mark. The men’s 100m lineup is pure sprinting gold, Akani Simbine, Fred Kerley, Ferdinand Omanyala, Emmanuel Eseme, Christian Coleman, Letsile Tebogo, Jeremiah Azu, Kishane Thompson, Brandon Hicklin, and Lachlan Kennedy, all set to go head-to-head in what might be the most stacked sprint event of the season.
Simbine Holds the Upper Hand
Simbine’s dominance this year hasn’t been a fluke. The 30-year-old has already put together a string of impressive performances against some of the world’s best.
At the Shanghai Diamond League on April 27, Simbine surged past both Kerley and Christian Coleman in the dying meters, clocking 9.98s to Kerley’s 10.11s. Then came the Atlanta Grand Prix on May 17, where Simbine was nothing short of blistering, storming to a 9.86s win, leaving Kerley chasing shadows.
And if that wasn’t enough, just a week ago in Rabat (May 25), Simbine grabbed another victory with a 9.95s finish, while Kerley settled for third in 10.07s, sandwiched behind Ferdinand Omanyala.
That makes it three straight head-to-head wins for Akani Simbine over Kerley in 2025. Not the kind of stat a former world champion like Kerley wants to see.
Kerley’s Spark
The American sprint ace might have struggled against Akani Simbine this year, but he sent a clear warning with his recent win at the Canarias Athletics Invitational, where he stormed to a commanding 200m victory in 20.17s. It was a timely reminder that Kerley’s top gear isn’t far off, and that when he’s on, very few can match his raw power and finishing strength.
Kerley boasts a 9.76s personal best, sits among the fastest humans in history, and owns both World Championship gold (2022) and Olympic medals from Tokyo and Paris. Throw in his freakish 43.64s 400m PB, and you realize why when Kerley finds his rhythm, he’s a terrifying prospect for any field.
What’s at Stake in Rome?
The men’s 100m in Rome is a test of nerve, form, and pride. For Simbine, it’s a chance to extend his 2025 dominance and cement his position as the sprinter to beat heading into the business end of the season.
For Kerley, it’s about redemption, snapping a three-meet losing streak against his South African rival and reigniting his charge for global supremacy.
All signs point to an epic clash. Will Akani Simbine’s consistency and clinical execution hold, or will Kerley finally flip the script and grab a much-needed win over his in-form rival?
Whoever crosses that line first will carry a huge confidence boost into the thick of the 2025 athletics season.
