After a decade of carrying South African sprinting hopes on his shoulders, Akani Simbine is finally reaping the rewards of years of hard work—and with the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games 2028 on the horizon, his story may yet have more chapters to write.

Simbine’s decade-long service as South Africa’s sprinting flag bearer is now delivering long-awaited results as he positions himself as a key figure for Team South Africa heading into Los Angeles (LA).

With the drought for a major global medal finally over—following his Olympic and World Indoor Championships podium finishes—the future looks increasingly promising for the 31-year-old sprinter, who seems to be improving with age.

The long-awaited success

His silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games marked the career-defining moment he had long pursued, finally ending years of narrowly missing out on the sport’s biggest prizes. 

The long-awaited success has since opened the door for further achievements as the build-up toward the Los Angeles Games gathers momentum.

Before finally reaching the podium, Simbine endured a difficult stretch of near misses, qualifying for multiple 100m finals—including the Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo Olympics, along with several World Championships—but falling just short of a medal on each occasion.

Adding to his growing list of achievements, Simbine secured a bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships earlier this year in Nanjing, China—a notable feat in the 60m event, which lies outside his usual 100m specialty.

Speaking to SportsBoom.co.za, the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist admitted that the 60m was unfamiliar territory, but one that offered important lessons to take forward in his primary event.

“It’s a change. When I got to the championships and ran round one, I saw guys that are specialists in this event, and I am a specialist in the 100m.”

“I had to adapt very quickly, but it’s really good for us because we came into a space of wanting to learn and do good, and that was putting me in the 60m.”

“But it was also so I could work on certain things in my race, so I got the opportunity to do that, and I am happy that we are moving to the next thing.”

What does the future hold in the shorter distance?

Although the 60m is a much shorter sprint, Simbine emphasized that it demands the same level of mental and physical preparation as the 100m. 

When asked whether he might continue competing over the shorter distance, he left the decision open for now.

“Both the 100m and 60m are a mental game. You have to be mentally strong and fit to push on and be an athlete that is ready to fight, and for me that is a big thing.”

“Technically, we are always working on it, and it’s what always helps us get fast and continuously get better.”

“I don’t know for now if I will have more races in the future, but it will be up to my coach to decide if we will be doing more of this. My focus is on the 100m and ensuring that it’s done and also ensuring that we are improving in that event.”

The major breakthrough, however, first came in the men’s 4x100m relay, where Simbine, alongside Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, and Shaun Maswanganyi, secured one of Team South Africa’s three silver medals in Paris.

Their efforts contributed to the country’s total of six medals, which also included two bronze and one gold—further solidifying Simbine’s contribution to one of South Africa's most successful Olympic track outings.

The LA goal and the future of SA sprinting

With his career now firmly on an upward trajectory, he has set his sights on the next major goal.

“LA is the goal. We are in the next cycle leading up to those Olympic Games, and I am looking forward to it. It’s another three years building up to the Olympics and making sure that I am at my best.”

As he approaches what may be the final chapter of his illustrious career, Simbine also takes pride in seeing the next generation of South African sprinters rising through the ranks—including the likes of Walaza and Maswanganyi—and hopes they can sustain their form for years to come.

“It is exciting for us to have such talent coming up. I just hope they keep healthy and safe and keep on pushing.”

“It’s great to be in top form because it’s good to be hot now, and that needs to remain for the next five, eight, or ten years because those are the things that make you the sprinter that you want to be.”

“Those are also the performances that make it, and it’s great that they are doing well and performing, but they have to keep on doing it.”