INSEPHE of the 100m distance runner, Akani Simbine, has confirmed that he will be competing in the World Relay Championships to be held in Botswana, this weekend.
Simbine (32) who is the founder and organizer of the Simbine Classic, a race oftrack and field which was run for the first time this year at Pilditch Stadium, Pretoria, on Tuesday, he expressed his happiness and sadness at the success of this race which attracted top runners and spectators who came out in large numbers to attend.
He said that what started as a dream for him ended up becoming a tournament that inspired many South Africans to believe in their dreams.
“I am happy that this race was a success. The seats were full of spectators, the children saw their dreams come true, and our runners got the chance to compete with the stars of the country’s runners,” said Simbine, who expressed his desire to bring the Diamond League to South Africa one day.
“I am very grateful to everyone for believing in this dream of mine and knowing that something like this is possible. I hope that we can grow this race. This is just the beginning.”
In this race, Simbine clocked 9.98 seconds in the semi-finals of the 100m, a time that helped him book a place in the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Although Simbine failed to win the race as he came last in the 100m final won by Emanuel Eseme from Cameroon, he confirmed that he will compete in the World Relay Championships to be held in Gaborone, Botswana, from Saturday to Sunday.
Saying this after he came out limping, there is fear that he is injured. However, he confirmed that he was just having cramps.
“Nothing much, just cramps. The way I started the race shook my body, after that it refused and that’s when I started getting cramps.
“I know that the World Relays are coming, that’s why I finished the race (Simbine Classic) and I’m running for myself because I wanted to make sure that the body is fine. The body needs to recover.”
In the World Relay, Simbine and his 4x10mm team have the challenge of defending the title they won last year in Guangzhou, China.
In the Simbine Classic, Prudence Sekgodiso won the women’s 1500m final with a time of 4 min, 08.93 sec, leaving Karabo More ksaid Tshepo Tshite won the men’s 300m, leaving Luan Munnik with a time of 7min 54.05sec.