South Africa’s sprint star Akani Simbine is continuing his unbeaten run this season in the 100m with a commanding win at the Atlanta City Games on Saturday.
Simbine surged to victory in a wind-assisted time of 9.86 seconds, building on his two recent Diamond League wins.
Despite the blistering pace, the 30-year-old said he felt no pressure heading into the race.
“It’s no pressure,” a smiling and breathless Simbine told NBC moments after crossing the finish line. “I get to come enjoy something that is no stress; just run and have fun. I wasn’t expecting that [time] at all. Crazy.”
The win came in the absence of reigning Olympic champion Noah Lyles, who was initially expected to compete but withdrew before the race due to a tight ankle.
Despite a slightly sluggish start out of the blocks, Simbine pulled away decisively around the 50-metre mark to beat Nigerian sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike, who finished second in 10.05 seconds.
Earlier this month, Simbine delivered a clutch anchor leg to lead South Africa’s men’s 4x100m relay team to a historic gold at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou — edging out the United States by just 0.05 seconds.
The victory marks South Africa’s first-ever win in the 4x100m at a global relay event and the first African team to claim gold in the event. Simbine’s decisive finish capped a flawless team effort with Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, and Bradley Nkoana.
WATCH: South Africa win GOLD in the men’s 4x100m AND 4x400m at the World Relays!
Meanwhile, Simbine’s 9.90-second performance from the Botswana Golden Grand Prix last month still stands as the official world lead for 2025, but Saturday’s effort further cements his strong form ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo later this year.
WATCH: The GOAT! Akani Simbine breaks Usain Bolt’s 100m record
“I’m looking forward to going home, training and getting ready for September,” Simbine said, already setting his sights on the season’s biggest stage.