South Africa’s Fastest Men Take on the Diamond League Final in Zurich
South Africa’s sprinting elite will take centre stage at the Wanda Diamond League final in Zurich, Switzerland, this week. National record holder Akani Simbine, Olympic semi-finalist Shaun Maswanganyi, and junior prodigy Bayanda Walaza will lead the charge in the men’s 100m event, hoping to add to their impressive records.
South Africa’s Sprinting Stars in Zurich
A total of six South African athletes have earned spots in the Diamond League final, following 14 intense meetings across the season. These athletes will compete for glory on Thursday, 31 August, with some of the world’s fastest runners set to face off in a high-stakes sprint showdown.
Akani Simbine: A Strong Contender
Akani Simbine, who has been in stellar form throughout the series, will be one of South Africa’s top hopes. The 2016 Olympian and national 100m record holder claimed three victories early in the season and recently finished fourth in Lausanne with a time of 10.05 seconds. Though he was just shy of the podium, Simbine showed resilience, especially in wet conditions.
At the Zurich final, he will face stiff competition, including Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake, who has clocked impressive times this season. Blake finished third at the Lausanne meeting, with a time of 10.02 seconds, and will undoubtedly be one to watch.
Rising Star: Bayanda Walaza
Bayanda Walaza, the 2025 FISU World University Games 100m and 200m champion, also has his eyes set on a strong performance in Zurich. Although he finished second to training partner Gift Leotlela in Brussels with a time of 10.18, Walaza will be keen to bounce back from what he considered a slow run. His hunger to compete at the highest level could make him a standout contender in the final.
Shaun Maswanganyi: Consistency in the 100m
Shaun Maswanganyi, a former Olympic semi-finalist, brings his own wealth of experience to the final. Known for his consistency in the 100m, Maswanganyi is a key part of South Africa’s sprinting resurgence. With his strong performances throughout the season, he is one of the athletes likely to challenge the world’s best in Zurich.
The International Challenge
The 100m final in Zurich will be no easy feat for the South African sprinters, as the competition is fierce. Alongside Blake, American runners Trayvon Bromell, Christian Coleman, and Brandon Hicklin bring depth to the field. All eight competitors in the race have either set personal or season’s best times under 10 seconds, ensuring a nail-biting final.
While Simbine, Walaza, and Maswanganyi are South Africa’s best hopes, the field is far from predictable. With a strong group of athletes gunning for the Diamond League title, each sprinter will have to bring their A-game to secure the coveted prize.
Other South African Stars in Zurich
South Africa’s talent pool extends beyond the men’s 100m. Three women will also compete in Zurich, showcasing the depth of South African athletics. Prudence Sekgodiso, the world indoor champion, will take on the 800m, while Zeney van der Walt will compete in the 400m hurdles, and Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ane du Plessis will be in the javelin throw.
Though Zakithi Nene, South Africa’s top 400m runner, has withdrawn due to injury, the other athletes are eager to prove themselves on the world stage.
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As the Diamond League final approaches, South Africa’s sprinters will carry the hopes of the nation. With Simbine, Maswanganyi, and Walaza all vying for glory, the upcoming 100m final promises to be a spectacle. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if South Africa can secure another major victory on the global track and field stage.
