South African sprinter Akani Simbine narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal, finishing fourth in the men’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics.
Also read: Akani Simbine’s Olympic heartbreak in the 100m final
Simbine’s performance, which broke his own South African record and reaffirmed his status as Africa’s fastest man, drew significant praise from social media and fans.
‘It’s a historic moment. No South African has competed in three Olympic finals and placed higher than I have,’ Simbine said after the race. ‘I’m making history for every South African.’
Despite not securing a medal, Simbine’s achievement was celebrated for its significance and his resilience in the face of fierce competition.
Just to give you context, the time Akani Simbine just ran, which makes him the fastest African man in history, would have won him gold in every Olympics up to and including 2004. He would have been 0.01 behind Bolt in 2016. Great achievement!
— Acclaimed Journalist (@Jonathan_Witt) August 4, 2024
What an Olympic performance by Akani Simbine! Consistent, focused, and quicker than ever, running a National Record time in the 100m of 9.82, and coming agonisingly short of a medal.
It’s not what you wanted, but we’re all incredibly proud of you because you gave it your all.🇿🇦🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/O6ZMDMS0FR— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) August 4, 2024
The 4th FASTEST MAN ON THE PLANET!!!!
Our OLYMPIC 100m hero!!!
9.82 @AkaniSimbine
🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/YLBBJWmchA— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) August 4, 2024
Well done SIMBINE! What a brilliant performance.
🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 Such a wonderful ambassador for SA pic.twitter.com/pDGZMqRRNl— Leanne Manas (@LeanneManas) August 4, 2024
What a race, what an event that 100m final. So close for @AkaniSimbine who broke the National Record.Salute my brother 👏🏽👏🏽🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦#OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/vksjZ2DkWC
— Vincent Barnes (@VincentBarnes60) August 4, 2024
We still proud Champ 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/F4veIPz71x
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) August 4, 2024
We are proud of you @AkaniSimbine , you are a star with a very bright future. You fought hard.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 4, 2024
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Picture: FJ Meintjes / Gallo Images