By Razeen Gutta
Akani Simbine’s career has witnessed a host of highs, but a podium finish in Paris would bring him the ultimate prize: an Olympic Games medal.
The South African sprinter may not have been among the punted favourites in the pre-games chatter, but there are plenty of reasons why this could be his year.
The five-time finalist at major international championships has dipped under 10 seconds in 10 consecutive seasons in the 100-metre dash. And this time he has it all to play for, with the race wide open.
The 30-year-old came fifth at the 2016 Rio Olympics and fourth at the Tokyo Games three years ago; and some may argue that it is now or never for him to stake a claim to the prize.
Simbine had a good runup to the Games, finishing second behind world champion Noah Lyles at the Diamond League meet in London last week.
His 9.86 season best there was just 0.02 off his own national record, giving him a sure-shot chance when he lines up in Paris.
He will also anchor the 4 x 100-metre relay team when the track and field competition finally gets underway later this week.
Pictured above: Akani Simbine.
Source: @cashnsport
