‘You fought hard’: Simbine earns respect of SA in closest Olympic men’s 100m final

Akani Simbine may have missed out on an Olympic medal by the narrowest of margins in Tokyo on Sunday, but the South African sprinter has won the respect of the nation for his valiant effort in the closest men’s 100m final in Olympic history.

Simbine finished fourth in a time of 9.93 seconds, just 0.04 seconds behind bronze medallist Andre De Grasse of Canada. The race was won by Lamont Marcell Jacobs of Italy in a time of 9.80 seconds, with American Fred Kerley taking silver in 9.84 seconds.

It was the first time in Olympic history that the top four finishers in the men’s 100m final had all run under 9.90 seconds.

Simbine’s fourth-place finish was a disappointing result for the South African, who had been hoping to become the first South African man to win an Olympic medal in the 100m since Reggie Walker in 1908.

However, Simbine’s performance was still a remarkable achievement. He ran the fastest time of his life in the semi-finals, and he was the only African sprinter to reach the final.

Simbine’s performance has been praised by South Africans from all walks of life, including President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“You fought hard, Akani. You represented South Africa with pride and determination. We are proud of you,” Ramaphosa said.

Simbine’s fourth-place finish is a reminder that even in defeat, there can be victory. Simbine has shown that he is one of the best sprinters in the world, and he has inspired a nation with his courage and determination.

Akani Simbine’s Olympic journey

Simbine’s journey to the Olympic final was a long and difficult one. He was born in a poor township in South Africa, and he had to overcome many obstacles to reach the top of his sport.

Simbine first started running as a child. He would often run to school and back, and he would compete in local races. Simbine’s talent was soon spotted, and he was selected to represent South Africa at the World Junior Championships in 2014.

Simbine finished fourth in the 100m final at the World Junior Championships, but he set a new South African junior record in the process. Simbine’s performance at the World Junior Championships earned him a place on the South African team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Simbine reached the semi-finals of the 100m at the Rio Olympics, but he was unable to qualify for the final. However, Simbine’s performance in Rio gave him confidence that he could compete with the best sprinters in the world.

Simbine continued to improve in the years following the Rio Olympics. He won the gold medal in the 100m at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and he also won the 100m title at the 2019 African Games.

Simbine’s success at the Commonwealth Games and African Games earned him a place on the South African team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The 2020 Olympic Games

Simbine entered the 2020 Olympic Games as one of the favourites to win the 100m title. He had run the fastest time in the world in 2021, and he was in good form heading into the Games.

Simbine won his heat in the 100m in Tokyo, and he also won his semi-final in a time of 9.84 seconds. Simbine’s time in the semi-finals was the fastest time of the year, and it gave him confidence that he could win the gold medal in the final.

However, Simbine’s dream of winning the gold medal was not to be. He finished fourth in the final in a time of 9.93 seconds, just 0.04 seconds behind bronze medallist Andre De Grasse of Canada.

It was a disappointing result for Simbine, but he still earned the respect of the nation for his valiant effort in the closest men’s 100m final in Olympic history.

Conclusion

Akani Simbine may not have won an Olympic medal in Tokyo, but he has won the respect of the nation for his courage, determination, and talent. Simbine is a role model for young South Africans, and he has shown that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.