Akani Simbine has enjoyed an exceptional start to the 2025 season, dominating his early races with victories in all three of his 100m outings, including impressive wins at the Diamond League events in Xiamen and Keqiao. Despite his undefeated streak, the South African sprinter remains focused on his long-term goal: the World Championships in Tokyo this September. Simbine has no interest in being prematurely labelled as the favorite, emphasizing that his current victories are merely part of his seasonal build-up.
“I’m running well for the beginning of the season, but this is not a peak,” Simbine stated. “Once I get into June, I’ll continue to build and peak by August and September.” His focus is clear: maintain consistency and ramp up training in the coming months.
A major factor in his early success this year can be attributed to the solid foundation laid during his indoor season. Simbine’s bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing in the 60m was a historic achievement for South Africa and served as a crucial stepping stone for his outdoor campaign. “We were using indoors more as training because there were things we figured out that I can only work on in a race,” Simbine explained. This preparation has enabled him to perform strongly early in the season.
His strategy this year revolves around careful pacing, with an emphasis on building up to the World Championships rather than peaking too early. As he gears up for the season’s key events, Simbine’s consistency has already made him a prominent figure in the sprinting world, but he remains humble and focused on the bigger picture. “I’m getting into my races, I’m winning my races, and that’s all that needs to be done,” he said.
This weekend, Simbine is set to lead South Africa’s 4x100m team at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, a competition that will feature over 700 athletes, including 74 from eight African countries. As the senior member of the team, Simbine is taking on a leadership role, guiding his younger teammates with his experience and wisdom from years of competing at the highest level. His leadership is invaluable, especially as he provides calm and guidance to the team, which respects his advice.
The experience Simbine brings to the table is not just physical but also mental, as he understands the nuances of competition and knows how to manage the pressures that come with being a top-tier sprinter. “If I say ‘Guys, just calm down,’ they would take my word for it,” he explained. “They respect what I say and look up to it.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Simbine, not just for his form but for his ability to manage expectations and focus on the ultimate prize in September. The sprinter’s careful approach, focusing on each race as part of a larger plan, positions him well for a peak performance at the World Championships. His leadership and strategic mindset will be key in South Africa’s relay ambitions and his quest to once again become Africa’s finest sprinter.
