Simbine Extends Winning Streak as SA Athletes Shine in Rabat

(The Post News)– Akani Simbine’s electric form continued on Sunday as he claimed his fifth straight 100m win of the season and his third Diamond League victory in Rabat with a dominant 9.95-second finish. The South African’s powerful closing speed was too much for rivals Ferdinand Omanyala (10.05) and Fred Kerley (10.07).

Kerley, who narrowly beat Simbine at the 2024 Paris Olympics, couldn’t keep up this time. The 31-year-old’s victory was his 12th Diamond League title, tying him with high-jump icon Hestrie Cloete and nudging him ahead of Wayde van Niekerk.

Simbine credited his form to steady progress and said he’s pleased to continue under 10 seconds. He’s now setting his sights on the world championships in Tokyo this September, where he hopes to finally secure a global 100m medal.

Other South Africans also impressed in Rabat. Prudence Sekgodiso ran the second-fastest 800m of her career (1:57.52) to finish second. Zakithi Nene clocked 44.46 in the 400m, also taking second. Van Niekerk placed fifth in the 200m, just shy of his best post-injury time, while Benjamin Richardson finished seventh.

Jo-Ané du Plessis (javelin), Zeney Geldenhuys (400m hurdles), and Tshepo Tshite (1500m) rounded out the strong SA showing.