Akani Simbine storms to second in Zurich as Bayanda Walaza’s injury ends his race early. Image: Team SA.
(The Post News)– Akani Simbine showed he’s still a force to be reckoned with on the track, storming to second place in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Zurich on Thursday night. The South African star clocked 9.98 seconds, just one-hundredth behind American Christian Coleman, who won in 9.97.
Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake followed in 9.99, while Olympic teammate Shaun Maswanganyi settled for seventh in 10.17. But the night also brought heartbreak for rising star Bayanda Walaza. The 19-year-old, part of the Olympic relay team that won silver in Paris and earned Team SA Sports Team of the Year honors, pulled up clutching his hamstring while leading the field at 60 m. With the World Championships in Tokyo just weeks away, his injury leaves question marks over his fitness.
Elsewhere, Jo-Ane du Plessis continued her fine season by securing third in the women’s javelin with a throw of 62.26 m. Greece’s Elina Tzengko won the event with 64.57 m, while Adriana Vilagos edged du Plessis into bronze with 62.96 m. In the women’s 800m, Prudence Sekgodiso fought bravely in a world-class field, finishing sixth in 1:58.57.
Local favorite Audrey Werro delighted her home crowd with a national record and victory in 1:55.91.
Zeney van der Walt faced a tough inside lane in the 400m hurdles and finished eighth in 56.90, while Dutch superstar Femke Bol stormed to victory in a record 52.18. Rogail Joseph also raced on the Zurich program, placing fifth in 56.00.
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