Veteran sprinter Akani Simbine was back on the Diamond Lreague podium in Zurich on Thursday night when he finished second in the men's 100m final in a time of 9.98.
South African sprint stars Akani Simbine and Sinesipho Dambile claimed silver medals at the Zurich Diamond League meeting on Thursday, but the night was soured by another injury setback for Bayanda Walaza.
Simbine’s return to the podium was particularly encouraging, coming shortly after he was named Sports Star of the Year at the 2026 SA Sport Awards. He has endured a testing period by his high standards, making his latest Diamond League silver a timely reminder of his ability to still compete with the world’s best.
The national record-holder clocked 9.98 seconds, finishing just 0.01 behind American Christian Coleman in a thrilling finish. Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake was third in 9.99.
Dambile, meanwhile, continued his remarkable consistency by finishing second in the men’s 200m in 19.82 seconds. Only American Kenny Bednarek, who clocked a world-leading 19.62, was able to deny the Commonwealth Games champion victory.
