Why Akani Simbine Must Stay Positive After World Athletics Championship Heartbreak

• Akani Simbine missed out on winning a medal at the just-concluded World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan
• The South African sprinter competed in the 100m and the 4x100m relay, but finished out of the top three places in both events
• A sports journalist in an exclusive interview with Briefly News shared his thoughts on the Mzansi athlete's performance at the competition

South Africa's fastest man, Akani Simbine, had a poor outing at the World Athletics Championship, which was held in Tokyo, Japan.

The Olympic medalist finished outside the top three in the 100m race while also missing out on the 4x100m relay after the team were given a lifeline due to their baton exchange issues.

Simbine was expected to return with at least a medal, given the season he's having in the Diamond League and other tournaments in which he put up impressive performances.

A sports journalist has urged the SA sprint king to stay positive despite the setback at the competition.

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs face uncertain future amid Nabi exit speculation

Simbine’s performance at the World Championships

Simbine started the competition strongly and made it to the finals of the 100m race, but he finished in seventh position with a time of 10.04 seconds.

Despite the disappointing performance, Simbine, alongside Gift Leotlela, made history by becoming the first pair to represent South Africa in the World Championships 100m final.

The 4x100m relay was the final straw for the 32-year-old, but they fell short of the expected time of 38.34, with the relay team finishing at 38.64 seconds. They missed the qualification by 0.30 seconds.

Why Simbine must stay positive

Sports journalist Moses Mbogo, in a chat with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on Simbine’s performance at the competition while offering the South African athlete some advice.

"It wasn't a good outing for Simbine, to be sincere. He showed glimpses of being ready to take over the world earlier this season, especially in the Diamond League, but his performance in Tokyo is below his standard," he said.

Read also

Cardoso explains Basadien’s lack of game-time at Sundowns since joining the club

"He won a couple of races before the World Championships, which was good for building momentum before the main event this year, but other athletes had other plans too."

Mbogo then offered Simbine some advice, urging him to stay positive even with his poor form in Tokyo.

"Simbine will know how to pick himself up despite his poor performance in Tokyo. There are still more competitions to win and set new records," he added.

"He is still rated as one of the fastest men in Africa, so I don't expect him to give up that easily. The 2027 World Championships in Beijing could be his turn."

How much relay team earn in Tokyo

Briefly News earlier reported on the amount the South African 4x400m relay team earned after finishing third in the finals of their event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.

The relay team consist of veteran, Wayde Van Niekerk alongside Lythe Pillay, Leendert Koekemoer, Udeme Okon, Gardeo Isaacs and Zakithi Nene.

Source: Briefly News