Akani Simbine, the South African sprinter, has long been hailed as one of the fastest men in the world. With a remarkable ability to accelerate and an uncanny knack for crossing the finish line ahead of his competitors, Simbine has solidified his position as a top contender in the World Championships in Budapest.
Simbine, who had qualified for the semifinals as the joint third-fastest athlete with a time of 9.97 seconds, produced a reaction time of 0.078 seconds when his semi, the second of three, was flagged for a false start.
Upon discovering that his lane had produced the false start, Simbine went to have a look for himself on the screen, giving the impression he would race under protest.
But after seeing the reaction time he decided to vacate lane four and take his disqualification
Simbine burst onto the international scene in 2014 when he won the 100m gold medal at the World Junior Championships. This victory showcased his raw talent and marked the beginning of a promising journey. The following year, he made his debut at the IAAF World Championships, where he finished fifth in the 100m final, leaving a lasting impression on the global athletics community.
In 2016, Simbine made history by becoming the first South African to reach the Olympic 100m final since the iconic days of the late 1990s. Though he narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fifth once again, his performance was a testament to his growing stature as a formidable sprinter. Simbine’s determination and relentless pursuit of excellence propelled him forward, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
The year 2018 proved to be a breakthrough for Simbine as he clinched the Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 100m event. This victory not only solidified his status as a world-class sprinter but also marked a significant milestone for South African athletics. Simbine’s electrifying speed and flawless technique left his competitors in awe, further cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.