Akani Simbine Sets Record, Just Misses 100m Medal

South African sprinter Akani Simbine narrowly missed out on a medal in the men’s 100 metre final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, finishing fourth with a national record time of 9.82 seconds on Sunday, 4 August.
This marks the 30-year-old athlete’s second consecutive fourth-place finish at the Olympics, having missed the podium by 0.04 seconds while he was competing in the 20021 tournament in Tokyo, Japan.
Despite his heartbreak, Simbine’s performance was historic. He became the first South African to reach three consecutive Olympic 100m finals, showcasing his consistency and elite status in global sprinting.
His new personal best time of 9.82 seconds would have been enough to secure a gold medal in several past Olympic Games, highlighting the heightened level of competition in Paris, France.
Simbine had a strong start in the final, trailing only Fred Kerley and Lamont Marcell Jacobs at the 30m mark. However, he could not maintain his pace, finishing just behind Kerley, who took bronze.
Reflecting on his achievement, Simbine emphasised the significance of his journey for South African athletics. He noted that his performances have redefined sprinting in the country, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Looking ahead, Simbine remains hopeful for a medal in the men’s 4x100m relay, where he and his teammates aim to deliver a strong performance.
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