Akani Simbine: age, height, wife, fastest time, Olympics vs Bolt, worth
Akani Simbine is no new name in the world of sports. Notably, the South African sprinter has competed in several worthy athletic competitions such as the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, and World Championships. Consequently, he has won a considerable number of medals and titles, making him one of the best athletes in the world. So, what is his story?
Source: Instagram
Simbine is among the athletes who represented South Africa in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games. Usually, he takes pride in representing his nation, and this one was no exception. But, besides his flourishing career, he has a thrilling personal life worth knowing.
Profile summary
- Birth name: Akani Simbine
- Date of birth: 21st September 1983
- Place of birth: Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
- Age: 27 years old (as of August 2021)
- Zodiac sign: Virgo
- Mother: Eslie
- Education: Edenglen High School, University of Pretoria
- Ex-girlfriend: Abigail Visagie
- Relationship status: Dating
- Girlfriend: Jo Prins
- Children: One (son)
- Occupation: Athletics
- Industry: Sports
- Coach: Werner Prinsloo
- Height in feet: 5'9"
- Height in metres: 1.76
- Weight in lbs: 163
- Weight in kg: 74
- Estimated net worth: $1 million - $5 million
- Twitter: @AkaniSimbine
- Akani Simbine's Instagram: @akani_simbine
- Facebook: @AkaniSimbineOfficial
- Nationality: South African
Akani Simbine's biography
Akani Simbine was born on the 21st of September 1983 in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa. He was raised in the same place by his parents. There are millions who want to know, what are the names of Akani Simbine's parents? The name of his mother has been established to be Eslie. On the other hand, the name of his father remains a mystery.
Like many successful athletes, Ajani’s passion for sports started at a tender age, precisely, in his teenage years. However, he was into football previously. To him, football was not as satisfying as athletics. Also, his parents played a part in his decision of converting him to athletics.
Body stats
Source: Getty Images
The star has impressive body stats, favouring him to be the best in his profession. For instance, Akani Simbine's height is 5'9" (1.76 m) and weighs 163 lbs (74 kg). He keeps fit with regular everyday exercise and healthy meals.
How old is Akani Simbine?
As of 2021, Akani Simbine's age is 27. Note that he is expected to celebrate his 28th birthday on the 27th of September 2021.
Athletics career
No doubt, Simbine boasts an illustrious career. The South African sprinter turned heads for the first time in his teenage years. In 2012, he won the 100m (10.19 seconds) final at Zone 6 Games in Lusaka. But, unfortunately, it took him a little longer to attain full success when he suffered an injury during his early career stages.
Nevertheless, he made a comeback in 2014 at the South African Senior Championships held in Pretoria. Interestingly, he bagged a silver medal after clocking 10.02 seconds in the competition.
What is Akani Simbine's top speed?
Below are his career highlights and achievements:
- 2014: Commonwealth Games: Glasgow, SCO - 5th, 200m (10.21)
- 2014: Commonwealth Games: Glasgow, SCO - 4th 4 x 100m relay (38.35)
- 2015: World Student Games: Gwangju - 1st, 100m (9.97)
- 2015: World Championships: Beijing, CHN - 4s2, 100 (10.02)
- 2016: African Championships: Durban - 1st, 4x100m (38.84); 3rd, 100m (10.05)
- 2016: Olympic Games: Rio - 5th, 100m (9.94)
- 2017: World Championships: London - 5th, 100m (10.01)
- 2017: World Championships: London - 7th, 200m (20.62w)
- 2018: Commonwealth Games: Gold Coast - 1st, 100m (10.03); 2nd, 4x100m relay (38.24)
- 2018: African Championships: Asaba - 1st, 100m (10.25); 1st, 4x100m (38.25)
- 2020: Tokyo Olympics: 4th, 100m (9.89)
In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Simbine became the first African athlete to bag a gold medal in blue-ribbon events. The title was a significant achievement for him and South Africa because it is long since an African athlete won the title in the category (100 m).
In an interview with Tokyo 2020, the athlete said,
At the Games, I just want to do my best and make history for my country and my continent. I want to make my family and myself proud. I want to do my best and reach higher levels than I've ever done before.
Unfortunately, he missed an opportunity of winning a medal in the men’s final (100m) at the competition. He expressed his disappointment for not qualifying for the bronze medal. He clocked 9.93 seconds behind Andre de Grasse (9.89). Even so, this was Akani Simbine's fastest time.
Who will win in a race between Akani Simbine vs Usain Bolt?
Since his retirement, people have been referring to Akani as the Usain Bolt of South Africa. However, based on statics, Usain remains the best, clocking 9.58 seconds at the 2009 IAAF World Championships.
Akani Simbine's net worth
Source: Instagram
The 27-year-old is among the most highly-paid athletes in South Africa. Akani Simbine's cars are a testament that he makes a good fortune. For instance, he owns a Mercedes-AMG C63 S. His net worth allegedly ranges between $1 million and $5 million.
Who is Akani Simbine's wife?
At the time of writing, the South African is not married. However, he is seeing someone. The name of his girlfriend is Jo Prins. According to her Instagram account, she is a netball player.
Previously, he was in another romantic relationship with Abigail Visagie, a news anchor and Moja Love presenter. Unfortunately, the relationship ended in mid-2020.
Simbine is a devout father. He has a son with a woman whose name has been established to be Chantelle Hermans. The two had a brief relationship that resulted in the birth of a child. According to The Citizen, he has been in the kid’s life since he was born.
Akani Simbine is a diligent and established athlete worth envying. Even though he missed a medal in the 100m men’s final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he is destined for great things. Undoubtedly, he is a favourite of many because of his talent and skills.
READ ALSO: Andre De Grasse: age, measurements, daughter, 100m time, Olympics, profile
Briefly.co.za shared a post about Andre De Grasse. The athlete has won multiple awards in various competitions.
Andre started his career at the age of 17. In 2013, he won three gold medals in the Olympics. He is married to Nia Ali, and they have a child together. Read more here!
Source: Briefly News
