I'm Going For Gold!

He’s officially the fastest man in South Africa – and now Akani Simbine has his eye on first prize at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

- Khatija Nxedlana

HE’S swopped his athletic gear for skinny jeans and a flipped-back baseball cap and is relaxing in a spa chair while a therapist massages his hands. This is the first manicure he’s ever had – a surprise treat organised by his PR manager – and he’s taking full advantage of the luxurious pamper-time.

It’s rare to see Akani Simbine taking things slow – in fact, on any day you’re likely to miss him if you so much as blink. This 23-year-old track sensation is officially the fastest man in South Africa after breaking the record in the 100 m on home soil.

His recent astounding time of 9,93 seconds has already prompted athletics experts to predict he’ll be giving Jamaican star Usain Bolt a run for his money before long.

Soon after clocking the record time in Pretoria recently, Akani went onto the 200 m, taking the tape in a blistering time of 19,95 seconds.

“It was my personal best in the 200 m so it’s great,” he says, chatting to us at the Joburg spa. “I was meant to start my 200-metre campaign in Potchefstroom only the following week.”

Akani trains about five hours a day, six days a week so his record-breaking feat is just reward for gruelling work. Yet a few years ago not even Akani thought he would be lauded for his prowess in sprinting.

“Athletics wasn’t always my thing,” says the young star, who was born in Tembisa on Gauteng’s East Rand.