07-05-2025
Akani Simbine: South African sprinter on shedding 'nearly man' tag
Having anchored his nation to a relay silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and become the first South African man to win a World Indoor medal in March, Akani Simbine exudes a quiet confidence in his abilities.
As the world leader over 100m this year, the 31-year-old's attitude is understandable.
It marks a shift in mentality for a sprinter who became known as the 'nearly man' of global athletics after missing the podium with three fourth-placed finishes at major championships - twice at the Olympics and once at the World Championships.
"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.
"I get disappointed, but my family says to be disappointed being fourth in the world is a bit crazy - because you are the fourth fastest person alive."
Although he may have missed out on some medals, Simbine is content with his achievements throughout his career.
"I have literally put myself to the surface and I proved myself to be an elite athlete," he said.
"I don't need a medal to prove that. The medal is just the cherry on top."
