South Africa's Leotlela and Simbine finishes 5th and 7th in 100m Finals. Image: Getty Images.
(The Post News)– Gift Leotlela and Akani Simbine ended South Africa’s hopes for a podium finish in the men’s 100m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, which were dashed on Saturday night in Tokyo; they finished without the medals in a tense and dramatic final.
Leotlela Delivered a Strong Performance but Got Fifth Place
Leotlela delivered a strong performance to finish fifth, clocking 9.95 seconds, while veteran sprinter Simbine crossed the line in seventh place with a time of 10.04 seconds. Despite their efforts, the South African duo couldn’t match the blistering pace set by the medal contenders on a night that saw one of the championship’s most anticipated races marred by early drama.
The final began in chaotic fashion when Botswana’s sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo, one of the favorites for gold, false-started and was disqualified. The 21-year-old, known for his explosive starts and fearless racing, left the track in visible frustration, while the crowd at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium reacted with stunned silence.
With Tebogo out, only seven athletes remained in the race, altering the dynamics and piling pressure on the remaining finalists, including South Africa’s representatives, both of whom were drawn in the outside lanes. These positions are often seen as a disadvantage, especially in high-stakes finals where visibility of the field and psychological positioning can play a significant role.
Leotlela, still relatively young on the global stage, showed composure and determination. His 9.95 was a commendable time under the circumstances and highlighted his continued growth as a world-class sprinter. However, the depth and quality of the field meant even sub-10-second performances were not enough for a medal.
Simbine Finishes Seventh
Simbine, one of South Africa’s most consistent performers in recent years and a former Olympic finalist, once again reached the pinnacle stage of global competition. But despite his experience and strong build-up to the championships, he was unable to find that extra gear when it mattered most. His 10.04 placed him seventh in a tightly contested race.
For South Africa, the result marks a bittersweet outcome. While both athletes reached the final, a feat in itself on the world stage, the lack of a medal will be a disappointment for a nation that continues to nurture world-class sprinting talent. Simbine, in particular, has come agonizingly close to major championship medals on several occasions and will now be reflecting on what more he can do to finally break onto the global podium.
The 100m final once again proved just how fierce the competition is in men’s sprinting. Even without Tebogo, the field remained packed with top-tier athletes capable of running under 10 seconds. It was a night that rewarded flawless execution and punished even the slightest errors, as Tebogo’s disqualification so clearly illustrated.
As the World Championships continue, South Africa will shift its focus to the 200m and relay events, where opportunities for redemption remain. For Leotlela and Simbine, Tokyo’s final served as both a test and a reminder of just how razor-thin the margins are at the elite level.
Though they leave the 100m without silverware, both athletes walk away with valuable experience and the knowledge that on any given day, they are right on the cusp of greatness. Their journey is far from over.
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