“No DNA just RSA” has become a war cry this season, as Akani Simbine, the South African powerhouse, is ruling at the top of the table. Simbine recently registered a 9.86s wind-aided time at the Atlanta City Games and continued his 100m hot streak that started in April 2025. Yes, he’s unbeaten in the distance in 2025. Yet, he has now come across a bitter reality that exists in the track and field world. Any idea?
Akani Simbine ran his first 100m race of the season on April 12 at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix. He crossed the finish line in 9.90 seconds, which to date is the world lead 100m time run by a man in 2025. However, this isn’t the only record that his win facilitated. Yes, Simbine’s world lead time in Botswana helped him surpass Usain Bolt’s record. But, as a track and field rival points out, it’s sad that even this isn’t enough for him to get the recognition he deserves in the sport.
A May 24 Instagram post by CBC Olympics details Canadian sprinter Aaron Kingsley Brown talking about Akani Simbine’s recent track and field dominance. “I call him [Akani Simbine] the South African goat. He’s run sub-10s for 11 straight years, breaking Usain Bolt’s previous record of 10 straight years,” Aaron said. He also added, “He has not lost in any of the four races he’s ran this year. including a 9.86s wind-aided time. He also anchored South Africa to the gold, beating us, unfortunately, where we got bronze. And he has the world-leading time right now of 9.90s that he set in Botswana, so he’s on fire right now.”
Aaron Brown then expressed a sad reality that exists in the sport, despite all these achievements by Akani Simbine. He said, “I’ve always said to him directly that he is one of the best sprinters ever. He just doesn’t get the recognition for it.” As Brown highlighted this, he compared Simbine to an NBA legend, who went through a similar unfortunate fate. He said, Simbine’s situation, “It’s kind of like a Charles Barkley situation where Charles never won the NBA championship so he doesn’t get the recognition, but he’s a hall of fame and one of the best players ever.”
Simbine himself has a 10-2 100m streak against Aaron Brown throughout his career. However, Aaron is now happy that Simbine is “finally getting his flowers.” Yes, Akani Simbine is truly looking stronger than ever in the World Championships year. But he has a lofty battle coming up, which would decide if he remains undefeated in the 100m or not.
Akani Simbine to face a stacked 100m field in Rabat
South African sprint star Akani Simbine has a tough challenge ahead of him this week. He will look to maintain his unbeaten run in the men’s 100m as he lines up against a stacked field at the Diamond League meet in Rabat on Sunday, May 25. Simbine, who has won all five of his outdoor 100m races this season, enters the race as the world leader and a man in top form.
However, his streak faces a serious threat from American Fred Kerley, the former world champion, who recently clocked a season’s best of 9.98s in California, signaling a return to top shape. Also in the mix is Olympic 200m silver medalist Letsile Tebogo, whose explosive talent adds even more firepower to an already elite lineup. Do you think Simbine will continue his form or fall short? Let us know below.
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