{"id":12439,"date":"2025-06-30T16:27:29","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T14:27:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=12439"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:23:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:23:40","slug":"top-10-track-and-field-stars-in-gauteng","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/top-10-track-and-field-stars-in-gauteng\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Track and Field Stars Born and Bred in Gauteng"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Gauteng has long been the beating heart of South African athletics. It produces an impressive line-up of track and field stars who have shone brightly on the international stage. From sprinters and jumpers to race walkers and multi-event specialists, these athletes have not only set records and won medals at the Olympics and World Championships. They also inspired the next generation back home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a look at ten of the most outstanding track and field athletes born and bred in Gauteng. Also, see how they\u2019re making their mark both on and off the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akani Simbine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kempton Park-born Akani Simbine is South Africa\u2019s sprint king<\/a>, famous for anchoring the 4\u00d7100m relay to Olympic silver in Paris 2024. He also placed fifth in the 100m at Rio 2016. He twice held the African 100m record (9.84s in 2021) and won 100m gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Beyond the track, Simbine<\/a> \u2013 who lost his parents young and was raised by his grandmother \u2013 has become a role model in Gauteng. He and his wife even auctioned race spikes to raise funds for youth projects. As an icon of Gauteng athletics, he often visits schools and clinics to inspire young runners in local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Gauteng
Image: Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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