South African flyer Akani Simbine has done everything in global sprinting… except win a major championship gold medal. With two fifths and fourth in Doha in 2019 (and a fourth in the Tokyo Olympics), the 29-year-old is always just shy of standing on the podium.
On Sunday at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Simbine was aiming to finally break through and take the top spot.
“My coach and I have been very happy with my training and I know I am in good shape and it excites me. I am aiming to win. It would be massive for me, my country and the first time for an African runner,” Simbine said confidently.
But it was not to be as Simbine was disqualified after officials ruled that he had false started in the second semi-final.
“As far as I am concerned I reacted to the gun but the officials saw it differently,” an emotional Simbine said. “I am in the shape of my life but I guess no one will see that now.”
After officials had told him that he had false started he walked over the to timing booth to view the footage. It was all for nothing and he was forced to watch the race, won by American Christian Coleman, from the sidelines.
A reaction time – measured by sensors in the starting pistol and on the blocks – of less than 0.1 is deemed a false start and runners will be recalled, with the responsible athlete disqualified.
Simbine will next compete in the 4x100m relay where South Africa have a strong chance at a medal.