Akani Simbine: Why Indoor Session Has Rejuvenated Career As 'Sub-10 King' Chases Usain Bolt's Record

Akani Simbine. Photo. Imago

Akani Simbine: Why Indoor Session Has Rejuvenated Career As 'Sub-10 King' Chases Usain Bolt's Record

Evans Ousuru 16:12 - 10.05.2025

Akani Simbine shares details about his 2025 form and why he looks unstoppable.

Akani Simbine has credited the buzz around his winning streak to a solid foundation from having a good campaign indoors.

Having anchored his nation to a relay silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and become the first South African man to win a World Indoor medal in March, Akani Simbine exudes a quiet confidence in his abilities.

The South African is in scintillating form this year after picking up a bronze medal in the 60m at the World Indoors in Nanjing and creating a slice of history for his country. 

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That continued when he clocked 9.90 seconds in Botswana last month and became the first sprinter to run under the 10-second barrier in the 100m for 11 straight years.

His achievement broke all-time great Usain Bolt's record of 10 consecutive sub-10s seasons and brought Simbine a new moniker: the 'Sub-10 King'. 

The season may still be in its infancy, but Simbine has triumphed in all three of his outings over 100m this year, including in the opening two Diamond League events in Xiamen and Keqiao.

Revealing the secret to his imperious form, the 31-year-old told the BBC"We were using indoors more of training because there was a thing that we figured out I need to work on, that I can only work on when I am in a race," Simbine explained. 

"Setting up myself for the indoors has put me in the position to run what I'm running now."

Simbine is the senior most member of South Africa's 4x100m relay team but is relishing his role as the older statesman. "I think it helps because I come with the experience of being in the circuit. If I say 'Guys, just calm down', the guys would take my word for it. They respect what I say and look up to what I say. So I think it does have benefit."

World Championships the ultimate goal

Akani Simbine: Why Indoor Session Has Rejuvenated Career As 'Sub-10 King' Chases Usain Bolt's Record
Akani Simbine told how to overcom Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson and Co. (Photo Courtesy).

Simbine will look to write more history in the World Championships later this year and will look to capitalise on his form to silence a stacked field that will have the likes of Olympic champion Noah Lyles and silver medallist Kishane Thompson.

Simbine will turn 32 on the final day of competition in Japan, but expects to continue lacing up his spikes for years to come.