Skip to content
Home News South African Sprinter Delighted with Universiade Record

South African Sprinter Delighted with Universiade Record

FISU 13 July 2015

 

Simbine 

GWANGJU – South African sprinter Akani Simbine was thrilled to have broken the record in becoming the fastest man ever in the history of Universiades over 100m, and already has his sights set on his next goal.

The 21-year-old speedster set a new Games record as he clinched the 100m crown in a flying time of 9.97 seconds, equalling the South African record in the process.

Simbine says he had his eyes set on gold in Gwangju for some time, having failed to make the Final of the 100m in Kazan 2013, and feels honoured to be able to represent his country in such an international event.

“Yeah, the medal here at the Universiade was in the plans from the beginning,” he reveals. “Over the years I have gained a vast amount of experience with running rounds and learning how to keep calm under pressure. It’s always an honour to represent the country and run in the colours with pride. So for me it’s a big thing that I treasure.”

South African sprinters have proven their worth in this event in recent years, with Simbine following compatriot Anaso Jobodwana’s 100m success in the Universiade two years ago.

The third-year Information Science student at University of Pretoria – who is also a skilled soccer player, yet could not continue in both sporting fields – says his gold medal in Gwangju is the peak of his career thus far, yet is now eyeing the bigger stage as he looks to continue his winning form.

“This title has to be the highlight of my career thus far because it is my first international medal,” he says. “I feel awesome and super chuffed at the fact that I accomplished the record, but at the same time I have World Champs in mind and trying my all to get into the final there. My target now is the World Championships in Beijing and then Olympics next year.”

 

Fabio De Dominicis (RSA), U-Media Reporter