The Prudence Sekgodiso and Akani Simbine show: Mzansi’s athletes pop out and show out at World Indoor Champs

by Nomonde Simelane

No DNA, just RSA appears to be the phrase of the week as mzansi’s athletes pull off multiple impressive performances in their respective sports. Runners Prudence Sekgodiso and Akani Simbine have emerged as victorious as the World Indoor Championships as they snag gold and bronze medals.

South Africa’s track and field is evidently on the rise as shortly after young sprinting sensation Bayanda Walaza pulled off an unofficial personal best to become the fastest man in the world in 2025, middle distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso as well as sprinting veteran and fan favourite Akani Simbine both pulled off impressive podium finishes in their respective races, with Prudence emerging as the star of the show.

To say that this past weekend was a remarkable one for South African track and field would be an understatement as it marked the moment Akani Simbine bagged his first-ever individual medal on the global stage after a bronze finish in the men’s 60m dash, with a time of 6.54 seconds.

Those who have followed his career know that it has been characterised by “resilience, perseverance and an attitude of never giving up” as he says in his own words. At 31 years old, Akani’s career appears to be on an upward trajectory as the high of clinching an Olympic medal at the 4×100 men’s race still lingers. This win from him could mark the beginning of a dominant season.

Prudence Sekgodiso came to the competition ready to leave with something, she pulled off multiple impressive performances that landed her at the women’s 800m final, where she secured an impressive and convincing win, proving that she is ready to take over Caster Semenya’s dominant reign and return mzansi back the pedestal once enjoyed.

After spending a majority of the race in second and third position, Prudence dug deep into her engine during the final lap, timing the lap to perfection to pull of the gold medal finish in a world-leading time of 1:58.40, securing South Africa’s first gold medal at the renowned World Indoor Champs.

Also see: ‘Big Brother Mzansi’: Sweet Guluva takes the crown