Akani Simbine has led Team South Africa to their first medal in athletics at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The 30-year-old was one of South Africa’s men’s 4×100-metre relay team members, and they clinched a podium finish in the finals on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine of Team South Africa celebrate winning the silver medal in the 4x100m Relay Final at the Olympic Games. Photo: Christian Petersen. Source: Getty Images
According to a report by IOL, South Africa finished behind Canada to win the silver medal in the Men’s 4×100-metre relay finals at the Stade de France.
South Africa missed out narrowly on a podium finish in the 100m final, but Simbine made sure Mzansi claimed a medal in athletics with an outstanding finish in the final leg of the relay.
Akani replicated his performance during the heats, running past several runners to secure the silver medal for Mzansi.
South Africa set an African record after crossing the line in 37.57 seconds. They were behind Canada, which won the race in 37.50 seconds, and Great Britain, which won the bronze.