Akani Simbine: From 'Nearly Man' to 'Sub-10 King'

Akani Simbine, the South African sprinter, has transformed his career from being labeled the 'nearly man' of global athletics to earning the title 'Sub-10 King'. His journey is a testament to resilience, consistency, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Breaking the 'Nearly Man' Tag

Simbine's career was once marred by near-misses, with three fourth-place finishes at major championships, including two Olympics and one World Championship. However, his mindset remained unshaken. "Having that tag as the nearly man, it's noise at the end of the day," Simbine told BBC Sport Africa. "I don't see it like that, I see it as an action that's never given up on trying to be the best. I always show up."

The Rise of the 'Sub-10 King'

Simbine's consistency over the past decade culminated in a historic achievement: he became the first sprinter to run under the 10-second barrier in the 100m for 11 consecutive years, surpassing Usain Bolt's record of 10 consecutive sub-10s seasons. This remarkable feat earned him the moniker 'Sub-10 King'.

A Promising Season Ahead

With the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo on the horizon, Simbine has started the season strong, winning all three of his 100m races, including two Diamond League events. "I'm running well for the beginning of the season. This is not like a peak," Simbine said. "Once I get into June, I've been training well, and I can build up to August and September."

The Southern African Rivalry

Simbine now faces stiff competition from younger stars like Botswana's 200m Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo. This growing rivalry is a sign of Africa's sprinting growth. "There is a rivalry between Letsile and I - it's a friendly rivalry," Simbine admits. "But we are competitors, and one wants to beat the other when it's competition time."

Looking Ahead to LA 2028

Simbine, who will turn 32 during the World Championships, has no plans to slow down. "I'm not thinking about age," he said. "I don't think about how long I've been in the game, I just take every year as it comes." With his sights set on the 2028 Olympics, Simbine continues to inspire with his passion and dedication to the sport.

Off the Track

Beyond athletics, Simbine enjoys supporting Chelsea and Kaizer Chiefs, pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, and spending time with his family. His balanced lifestyle and love for running keep him motivated. "I love running, I love travelling. I love pushing my body to being fast and being in this space. It's really, really fun," he said.

Akani Simbine's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and self-belief in achieving greatness.