South African sprinting sensation Akani Simbine has declared that a powerful new chapter is unfolding in the country’s track and field story one that aims to topple the traditional sprinting powerhouses of the United States and Jamaica.
Long recognized as one of Africa’s premier sprinters, Simbine is now leading what he calls a generational shift. This shift is not only about personal success but about reshaping the global sprinting landscape through belief, unity, and a renewed South African sprinting culture. With blistering speed and unwavering confidence, Simbine is setting his sights on Olympic glory not just for himself, but for his nation.
The 2025 season has seen Simbine in inspired form. He clinched dominant victories in the 100m races at the Xiamen and Shanghai Diamond League meetings, reaffirming his place among the world’s elite. More significantly, he anchored the South African 4x100m relay team to a gold medal at the 2025 World Relays, a result that sent a clear message: South Africa is no longer a rising force it’s a threat to the sprinting hierarchy.
But it’s not just about the medals or personal bests for Simbine. He’s leading a mindset revolution. “We are starting to go to training believing we can be Olympic champions. We can be world record holders. We can be world champions,” he explained. For Simbine, this is a fundamental shift in perspective, moving from mere participation to genuine contention.
The shift, he says, is also rooted in a deeper belief in local talent. For too long, South African athletes looked outward, comparing themselves to the stars of America and the Caribbean. But now, they are beginning to see themselves in the same light. “It’s just a mindset shift from the older generation to our generation,” Simbine said, underscoring a change in mentality that has been long overdue.
While Simbine continues to be the flagbearer, he’s quick to point to those who laid the groundwork. He credits the likes of Wayde van Niekerk, Anaso Jobodwana, Caster Semenya, Luvo Manyonga, and Rushwahl Samaai as inspirational figures who proved South Africans could compete and win on the world stage. “We are all feeding off each other’s energy,” he noted. “The first guy to win a medal in our generation was Anaso, and the momentum started building from there.”
That sense of community and shared purpose is what truly sets this new era apart. There’s no rivalry or isolation among South African sprinters, Simbine explains. Instead, there’s a culture of openness, encouragement, and collective ambition. “Everybody has good spirits between each other. We don’t mind sharing mental tactics. We are working towards getting gold medals for South Africa, making history for our country.”
Simbine’s near-podium finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics fourth place behind sprinting titans Fred Kerley, Kishane Thompson, and Noah Lyles was a moment of heartbreak, but also a source of motivation. It proved that South Africa isn’t far off from the ultimate prize.
With the World Championships in Tokyo on the horizon and the 2028 Olympics already in sight, Akani Simbine is sprinting toward history. More than a personal quest, his mission is about raising South Africa onto the world sprinting podium and inspiring a future where young athletes believe they, too, can be the fastest in the world.
