Akani Simbine finally secured an Olympic medal following his sublime run in the men’s 4x100m relay final on Friday night.
The 30-year-old athlete anchored the South African 4x100m relay team to second place at the Paris Games. Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, and as well as teenagers Bradley Nkoana and Bayanda Walaza, helped the team secure second place in an African record time of 37.57 seconds. Canada, led by Andre De Grasse, won gold in 37.50 seconds while Great Britain took home the bronze in 37.61 seconds.
Akani Simbine finally wins Olympic medal
Akani Simbine came close to securing bronze in the 100m final but fell short last Sunday. The men’s 4x100m relay final gave the 30-year-old a chance to finally win a medal at the Olympic games and he delivered.
After the race, Simbine thanked South Africa. “This is for everyone, thank you,” he said on X.
Former 100m champion Justin Gatlin also congratulated Akani SImbine for winning his first Olympic medal. “I’m so happy for Akani Simbine,” Gatlin tweeted.
Simbine, Masawanganyi, Nkoana and Walaza secure silver
President Cyril Ramaphosa also congratulated the relay team for winning silver.
“Well done Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi and Akani Simbine, on seizing the baton of Olympic success with your silver medal performance in the 4x100m relay.
“You have proved it’s possible to stay in your lane and conquer the world at the same time,” he said in a tweet.
Akani Simbine became te first South Africa to take part in three different Olympic games and finally earned the medal he deserved.
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela also took time to congratulate the SA relay team. “Congratulations on another silver medal. Impressive performance.”
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