Man on a mission: Akani Simbine flies to 100m World Lead, defeats Ferdinand Omanyala at Botswana Golden Grand Prix

Akani Simbine. Image source: Imago

Man on a mission: Akani Simbine flies to 100m World Lead, defeats Ferdinand Omanyala at Botswana Golden Grand Prix

Funmilayo Fameso 17:25 - 12.04.2025

Akani Simbine stormed to a big win in the men's 100m at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, clocking a fast 9.90s into a 1.4m/s headwind.

Legendary South African sprinter Akani Simbine stormed to a new world lead of 9.90s (-1.4m/s) defeating Africa's fastest man in history Ferdinand Omanyala in the men's 100m event at the Botswana Grand Prix in Gaborene.

In a battle of the Africa's fastest men in history, the renowned sprinter showed why he's in a different league this season, blazing through the track in a well-executed race to claim the much-needed win.

Akani Simbine is the second fastest man in African history. Image source: Imago

Omanyala settled for second also in a fast season's best time of 10.00s, while South Africa's rising sensation Retshidisitswe Mlenga was third in 10.15s.

Simbine's victory and blazing mark makes him the second man under the sub-10s mark this season, ahead of teen star Bayanda Walaza with 9.99s.

In addition, he has proven that he's full of confidence and a man on a mission this year to medal at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this summer, having claimed the 60m bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing - his first career individual medal.

Simbine has never won an individual at any global championship despite making the finals for over a decade. However, that may change this year and he looks ready for it.

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