Akani Simbine stole the show on Thursday, delivering some superb performances on the opening day of the SA Athletics Championships in Potchefstroom.
In the 100m heats, the national record holder clocked 9.98 seconds and he went on to win his semi-final in 9.92, crossing the line just 0.08 outside his South African best.
Though the weather conditions were unfavourable during the final, with the wind picking up and the temperature dropping, he secured his fifth national title in 10.14, with 19-year-old prospect Benjamin Richardson grabbing the silver medal in 10.27.
‘Good race’
“I had a little technical error in the beginning, but other than that I had a good race,” Simbine said after the final.
“It’s just unfortunate it’s a bit chilly right now and the wind was against us, but the legs feel good. I could go again”
Carina Horn also earned her fifth national 100m title in the women’s final, dipping on the line in 11.52 and holding off a challenge from Tamzin Thomas, who finished second in 11.58.
Wayde van Niekerk
Meanwhile, 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk opened his season with a victory in his one-lap heat.
Van Niekerk eased up in the second half and coasted over the line in 45.99, booking his place in Saturday’s final.
Earlier, in the morning session, Caster Semenya had pitched up for the 10,000m race, the day before being suspended from competition due to international gender rules.
Though she was in the entry list and was seen warming up before the event, however, she did not appear on the start line.
With the 5,000m race scheduled for Saturday, coinciding with the first day of her ban from women’s competition, she missed out on an opportunity to make her final official appearance on the track.
In her absence, training partner Glenrose Xaba took control in the early stages of the race, breaking away to win her sixth national 10,000m title in 33:02.13 as she finished well clear of silver medallist Cian Oldknow (33:51.81).
“Unfortunately I wasn’t able to run with my coach (Semenya) but it was a good race for me. We’re at altitude so I’m happy with the time,” Xaba said.
