South African sprint star Akani Simbine made a statement at the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, clocking 9.90 seconds in the 100 metres to post the fastest time in the world this year.
Simbine, competing in his first 100m race of the season, showed top form despite running into a -1.4m/sec headwind. The 60m bronze medallist from the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing displayed excellent composure and acceleration, especially in the final stretch, to edge out Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s 100m record-holder.
It was a convincing win for the 30-year-old, who continues to establish himself among the world’s best sprinters. His strong finish underlined his experience and control in high-pressure races.
In the women’s 100m, South African teenager Hanna Hope Vermaak made headlines by winning in 11.44 seconds — the same time as runner-up Viwe Jingqi, but Vermaak got the edge in a photo finish.
American star Dalilah Muhammad, the former world record-holder in the 400m hurdles, continued her farewell season with a commanding win. The 2019 world champion clocked 53.81 seconds to beat fellow American Cassandra Tate, who finished in 55.59.
South Africa’s Njabulo Mbatha won a tightly contested men’s 400m hurdles in 49.06 seconds.
In the 200m, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo eased to victory in 20.23 seconds after a strong bend and a relaxed finish. He comfortably held off South Africa’s Luxolo Adams, who clocked 20.42. Earlier in the day, Sinesipho Dambile of South Africa won the first of the two 200m races in 20.01.
The Botswana Golden Grand Prix once again delivered high-quality performances, with Simbine’s world-leading mark the standout of the meet. It also offered a strong glimpse into African sprinting talent ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris.
Photo: Johann Meintjes/Gallo Images
