‘He is the Father of Sprinting’ – Bayanda Walaza on How Akani Simbine Has Redefined Sprinting in South Africa

Bayanda Walaza has explained how helping "determined" Akani Simbine win his first major medal in the 4 x 400 meters at the Paris Olympic games has redefined sprinting in South Africa.

South African sprinter Bayanda Walaza has hailed Akani Simbine as the "father of sprinting" in the country, crediting the veteran athlete with reigniting belief in South Africa's sprinting potential and inspiring a new generation of speedsters.

Speaking candidly on NTV’s Sport On,  Walaza reflected on the broader impact of Simbine’s recent individual and team successes, highlighting how his achievements have served as both a wake-up call and a source of motivation the entire South African sprinting community.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Why Winning the 2024 Olympic 4 x 100m Silver Was Game-Changing for South Africa.

While Simbine’s recent medal win was celebrated nationwide, Walaza believes its true significance lies deeper.

“Akani has done a lot for the country. So, I’ll say this medal wasn’t actually a big thing to him. People made it a huge thing. For me, it felt like a wake-up call for him—to show him that he can still get more medals,” Walaza said.

And it is true. Since his win, Simbine has gone on to clinch more medals. He won bronze in the World Indoor 60 meters in China earlier this year, before anchoring South Africa to gold in the 4 x 100 meters at the World Athletics Relays in the same country.

He added that the medal shouldn’t be seen as a final chapter but rather as the beginning of a new era for Simbine.

“We must not celebrate it like it’s the last one. We must celebrate it as the start of what’s coming. He’s even becoming faster and faster as the years go by.”

Simbine’s accomplishments, according to Walaza, have done more than boost one athlete’s confidence—they’ve helped shift perceptions about South African sprinting on the global stage.

“It brought back dead ambitions. People didn’t believe South Africa had fast people anymore. We used to only have one person, and everyone thought that was the best we had.”

But now, he says, it’s clear the future is brighter and more collaborative.

“It took four South Africans to get Akani a medal. Now even the younger generation and people doing sports in South Africa believe they can be part of that group. It made South African sprinting more dangerous.”

Walaza pointed out that the ripple effect is already showing in early-season performances.

“I started running 9 seconds early in the season. Benji (Richardson)  ran 10.0 in January. (Sinesipho)  Dambile was clocking 20.0 in February. It woke South Africa up—we can prove to the world that we can actually do this.”

Simbine the Mentor

Beyond medals and times, Walaza emphasized Simbine’s character and how it continues to uplift those around him.

“I would call him the father of sprints. Everyone in South Africa doing sprints is looking up to him.”

Walaza praised Simbine’s humility and leadership, describing how his presence makes others believe they, too, can achieve greatness.

“What I like about him is he’ll never make you feel like you are lower than him. Even when you're with him, he won’t act bigger than you. He makes you feel like you’re on the same level.”

Simbine’s encouragement goes beyond simple pep talks—it’s deeply personal and aspirational.

“He’ll tell you, ‘Whatever I’ve done, I want you to do more.’ He wants us to achieve even the dreams he couldn’t. That’s what makes him a true leader—he wants to see others go further.”

In Simbine, Walaza sees not just a fast man, but a role model redefining what’s possible in South African athletics.

“His determination shows young people that we can be strong as a nation as long as we believe in each other. He always speaks prosperity. He’ll never say you can’t make it.”

And for many, including Walaza, Akani Simbine is the cornerstone of a sprinting renaissance.