Akani Simbine has declared that he is arriving at the World Championships in Tokyo with renewed confidence and determination, describing himself as “a different Akani” from previous years. The South African sprint star has enjoyed a strong season and now believes he is ready to make a lasting statement against the best sprinters in the world, including Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson, Christian Coleman, and Ferdinand Omanyala.
Simbine’s journey in 2025 has been defined by consistency and steady growth. He began the year with an impressive indoor campaign, where he won his first individual global medal after taking bronze at the World Indoor Championships. That breakthrough seemed to spark momentum for his outdoor season, which saw him secure victories in Botswana, Xiamen, and Keqiao. He also anchored Team South Africa to gold at the World Athletics Relays and captured the spotlight with his dominance at the Atlanta City Games.
The 31-year-old’s Diamond League performances showcased his resilience. He won in Rabat, finished second at the Gyulai István Memorial, and earned another runner-up spot at the Diamond League final in Zurich behind Christian Coleman. While there were races where he placed outside the podium in London, Silesia, and Lausanne, Simbine views those experiences as important stepping stones in sharpening his form for Tokyo.
Looking ahead to the championships, Simbine insists that everything is aligning at the right time. He explained that this season has been unlike any other, with a heavier mid-season workload that left him uncomfortable at times. But he now sees that discomfort as a key ingredient to his late-season rise, noting that his speed is peaking exactly when it matters most.
Simbine’s previous attempts at the World Championships ended in disappointment, including a false start that denied him the chance to showcase his ability. This time, however, he insists that he has grown stronger mentally and physically, arriving with a clear sense of purpose.
“It’s a different Akani,” he emphasized, pointing to his improved mindset and form. With the likes of Lyles, Thompson, and Coleman standing in his way, the South African knows the competition will be fierce but he is ready to prove he belongs on the podium.
