Akani Simbine had a lively crowd on its feet, scorching to a commanding victory in the men’s 200m race at the second leg of the Athletics Grand Prix Series in Potchefstroom, North West.

Competing in cool conditions at the Kenneth McArthur Athletics Stadium, Simbine burst over the line in 20.39 seconds in the half-lap race, finishing nearly half-a-second ahead of runner-up Theodor Young who clocked 20.86.

“It was a bit chilly and there was a breeze which changed direction, but it was a good race. I did what I could do and I’m just glad that I finished the race healthy,” Simbine said after turning out in his first individual race of the year.

Simbine, the national record holder over the 100m distance, confirmed he would concentrate on the 200m event at the ASA Senior and Combined Events Track and Field Championships at Germiston Athletics Stadium next week.

“I just want to get to SA Champs and be able to compete. I know I haven’t been racing and I know I’m not that sharp, but I want to come out and put my best foot down on the track,” he said.

Displaying some versatility, another local athlete from Tuks, Taylon Bieldt, did well to secure a double, first winning the women’s 100m hurdles race in 13.84 and then the 200m contest in 24.26, while fellow Tuks hurdler Ruan de Vries stormed to an easy victory in the men’s 110m event over the barriers in 13.56.

There was disappointment, however, for African record holder Sunette Viljoen who was handed a rare defeat on home soil. Viljoen took second place in the women’s javelin throw with a best effort of 56.95m, falling narrowly short of Czech athlete Irena Sediva’s 57.20m winning heave.

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