GARY LEMKE IN PARIS
Akani Simbine finally has that Olympic medal that he has both cherished, and deserved. The star sprinter, who has placed fifth and twice fourth in the men’s 100m final, produced the most blistering run ever seen by a South African at a packed Stade de France on Friday night.
Simbine took the baton from Bradley Nkoana, with a wall of runners in front of him and plenty to do in the men;s 4x100m final. With that 100m remaining, Team SA were fifth and hopes fading fast. Step forward Simbine, consistently one of the elite sprinters over the last decade, to re-ignite the dreams of a nation.
Japan were leading Italy, France and Canada, with South Africa in fifth spot. Some 8.78 seconds later and Simbine flashed across the line, chasing Andre De Grass who helped Canada to win gold. The clock was stopped for Canada in 37.50, but South Africa’s 37.57 was an African record.
Great Britain took bronze while pre-race favourites United States were disqualified.
Bayanda Walaza had started off for Team SA and ran his leg around the bend in 10.41. He handed over to Shaun Maswangani in fourth spot and he ran down the back straight in 9.06. The changeover to Nkoana was smooth and he impressed with his 9.32 leg, but still, when the baton was handed to Simbine, the South African still had plenty to do.
However, he did so in style, producing the fastest 100m (of course it was a moving start) in the country’s history, that 8.78 seconds.
Photo: ANTON GEYSER/Team SA
SOURCED FROM TEAM SA WEBSITE.
