Simbine heads back to training after third Diamond League victory

Having shone in the first half of the year, Akani Simbine says he will head back to training at his European base in Italy as he sets his sights on the second half of the season, including the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

Simbine, 31, won his third straight Diamond League race over the 100m distance in Rabat on Sunday night, stopping the clock at 9.95 seconds.

He outclassed a strong field, with African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya taking second place in 10.05 and former world champion Fred Kerley of the United States settling for third position in 10.07.

Simbine ran under 10 seconds for the fourth time this year, remaining unbeaten over his specialist distance and extending his lead in the Diamond League series.

‘I feel confident’

Having already secured medals at the World Indoor Championships and the World Athletics Relays this season, the South African speedster said he would take a short break from racing in order to focus on preparing for the second half of the 2025 campaign.

“I feel great, I feel confident, and I am happy that I could take the win today and that I can finish this month strong and healthy,” Simbine said.

“Another sub 10 in the bag, so slowly we go down in time which is really great. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and going back to training in Italy to get ready for the next Diamond League.”

Runner-up finishes for Nene and Sekgodiso

Meanwhile, with a large contingent of South African athletes taking part, Zakithi Nene and Prudence Sekgodiso also delivered solid performances in Rabat.

Nene led into the finishing straight but was unable to hold on in the men’s 400m race, ultimately settling for the runner-up spot in 44.46.

He was chased down by American athlete Jacory Patterson who snatched victory on the line in 44.37.

In the women’s 800m contest, Sekgodiso also grabbed second place, setting a season’s best of 1:57.52.

She crossed the line just 0.10 behind Ethiopian athlete Tsige Duguma who triumphed in 1:57.42.