Bayanda Walaza Injured During Zurich Diamond League 100m, Akani Simbine Takes Second

• South African sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza suffered a major setback when racing at the Diamond League on Thursday
• Akani Simbine surged past Walaza and raced ahead in a dramatic finish, leaving fans surprised
• Reactions online were mixed, with some showing sympathy and others voicing criticism over the race outcome

Nineteen-year-old sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza failed to finish his 100m race at the Zurich Diamond League on Thursday 29, August.

Walaza, who was set to compete at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, looked to be leading the field at 60 metres before clutching his hamstring, allowing Akani Simbine to surge past him during the men’s 100m race at the Diamond League meeting in Zurich on Thursday, 28 August.

The young sprinter, who won double gold at the World University Games in July, had got off to a sensational start and seemed on course for first place before pulling up after around 70 metres. Team South Africa will now miss him in the relay race at the Tokyo Games.

Read also

Under Fire: Cardoso Snaps as Sundowns Pressure Grows

Simbine, who made history in April at the Botswana Grand Prix, finished second with a time of 9.98 seconds, while fellow South African Shaun Maswanganyi came seventh in 10.19 seconds.

After the race, Simbine said he had hoped to win, but Coleman claimed victory. He added that it was great to be back on track and to finally find his legs again.

Watch the moment Walaza broke down injured below:

Despite not winning the Diamond League title, he said he was happy with his current form and was looking forward to the championships.

In other events, world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso finished sixth in the women’s 800m, while Zeney van der Walt came eighth in the women’s 400m hurdles final.

Take a look at the pictures of a devastated Walaza below:

How did South Africans react online?

South Africans reacted with sympathy for Walaza, though some offered criticism of Simbine:

Read also

Springboks announce full squad for New Zealand tour ahead of All Blacks showdown

@Billy_PMS:

“Coleman really worked on his last 40m. In recent races he would have faded.”

@Dbanj25:

“Speedy recovery to the young Walaza.”

@StrAightMARVIN:

“Why did Walaza chicken out? He could have won.”

Take a look at the photos of Walaza in agony below:

@Xolile_Hanse:

“Injury robbed Bayanda Walaza, he was promising indeed.”

@_Hadebe_101:

“The heavy hitters Lyles & Thompson absent in the 100m and Simbine still misses on the Diamond League title. This guy always loses form & temperament where it really matters. Disappointing.”

@lemozeighn:

“Speedy recovery Bayanda. He really was in line to win this one.”

@Teedoh_Jr:

“Don’t know how many times I rewatched this race… Seems like Walaza had this one. Great start, young man. Speedy recovery, you almost got first place buddy.”

@BETTERSA_:

“And he was ahead, our boy Walaza 😭😭😭.”

@MamkKitchen:

“Walaza had a great start 😩. Hopefully it’s not a serious injury and he recovers for Tokyo 🙏🏼.”

Read also

Rassie Erasmus praises Springboks star after crucial win over Australia

@ekinimathopo:

“Tough luck for the young man ♂️. Congrats to Akani Simbine 🔥🔥.”

How much Simbine earned after beating Omanyala

Briefly News previously reported that South African sprint star Akani Simbine walked away with a huge sum of money after clocking a world-leading time of 9.90 seconds to defeat African champion Ferdinand Omanyala at the Botswana Continental Tour.

Simbine’s blistering performance marked the fastest 100m time globally so far this year, surpassing Bayanda Walaza’s 9.99s set last month.

Source: Briefly News