By Razeen Gutta
It was heartbreak for Akani Simbine at the Paris Olympics as he missed out on a podium finish despite setting a new national record in the 100 metre sprint.
Just as was the case in Tokyo, 2021, it was fourth place for Simbine — whose wait for an Olympic medal continues.
The South African broke his own national record of 9.84 with a time of 9.82 — his fastest ever race.
But it was America’s Fred Kerley that edged the bronze medal in 9.81. His US countryman Noah Lyles won gold in 9.784 while Jamaica’s Kishane Thomspon scored silver in 9.789.
Simbine’s run would have won the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic races, but alas it was not to be for him at the Stade de France on Sunday.
Benjamin Richardson and Shaun Maswanganyi missed out on places in the final as South Africans struggled on the day.
Zeney Geldenhuys and Rogail Joseph did well to make Monday’s 400 metre women’s semi-final, though; and Prudence Sekgodiso also booked her spot in the 800 metre final, with both those races scheduled for Monday.
Former Olympic 400 metre champion Wayde van Niekerk will also be in action on Monday, with the 200 metre heets kicking off from 19:45 onwards.
Pictured above: Akani Simbine
Source: @officialteamrsa
