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Akani Simbine has explained what Team South Africa must do to claim gold in the 4x100m relays at the Paris Olympics.
South African sprinter Akani Simbine has rated South Africa’s chances of securing a podium place finish in the 4x100m relays of the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France this summer.
Simbine helped South Africa qualify for the Olympics by finishing first in heat three of the second qualifying round at the World Athletics Relays that took place in Bahamas, in a time of 38.08.
This is still some time off USA’s 37.40 seconds which their team, anchored by Noah Lyles, managed to deliver as they stormed to gold in the category early Monday morning (EAT).
However, Simbine is adamant South Africa have what it takes to knock USA off their perch, outlining two conditions.
“It is just cleaning our changeovers and just believing in ourselves, the team and what we can do,” Simbine told the media.
“This is the first time I have ever had a changeover with Bradley (Nkoana) and I think they had a changeover at Juniors (with Benjamin Richardson), but this is the first time for me and him you know and it went pretty smoothly and happy with that.
“To have a constant relay and one where we get into a final and we do not drop the baton or we don’t mess up the change and just finish, that for me is a win.
“Now we can build on that and focus on the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, Simbine has revealed how he maximises on recovering in time to run at an elite level.
The sprinter has had to travel large distances over the last two weeks, having now taken flights to China and the Bahamas within the last two weeks, which ordinarily would take a toll on the athletes.
“I sleep when the body says so and wake up when the body says likewise, but I think we have figured out techniques to get into the system, you know I need to spend some time in the sun, when it is night time, try and get some sleep just so I can change," he said.
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10:29 - 06.05.2024
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“ I do not struggle sleeping much. I think that is a benefit.”
The South African will now focus on competing at the Atlanta Adidas City Games before heading to the Diamond League Meeting in Oslo.
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