Simbine and Du Plessis shine with podium finishes at Diamond League final

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s top track and field stars Akani Simbine and Jo-Ane du Plessis delivered podium finishes at the Diamond League final in Zurich, showing strong form with the World Championships just weeks away.

In the men’s 100m, South Africa was represented by national record-holder Akani Simbine, former Olympic semifinalist Shaun Maswanganyi, and junior sensation Bayanda Walaza.

Simbine was edged into second place in a tight finish, clocking 9.98 seconds to dip under 10 seconds for the first time in his last five races. He finished just 0.01 seconds behind American sprinter Christian Coleman, who won in 9.97.

“I was hoping for the win, but Coleman just got it. It was great to be out here and great to finally find my legs again. I am happy with where we are at right now. Despite the fact that I did not get the diamond, I’m all good and looking forward to the champs,” said Simbine.

Walaza’s campaign ended in heartbreak as he pulled up clutching what looked like a hamstring injury, casting doubt over his appearance at next month’s World Championships. Maswanganyi held his own against the world’ fastest men, finishing seventh in 10.19.

READ: Simbine, Sekgodiso lead SA charge at Diamond League Final ahead of World Championships

Olympic silver medallist Du Plessis continued her strong season with a third-place finish in the javelin, throwing 62.26m. It was her fourth time over the 62m mark this season.

Elina Tzengko of Greece won with a 64.57m throw, while Adriana Vilagos of Slovenia was second with 6296m.

“We congratulate Akani and Jo-Ane for reaching the podium in their respective events. We are a few weeks from the World Champs, and it’s a crucial and testing phase for every athlete,” said Athletics South Africa president James Moloi.

In other events, world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso finished sixth in the women’s 800m in 1:58.57. Zeney van der Walt placed eighth in the women’s 400m hurdles in 56.90, while Rogail Joseph was fifth in the B race, setting a season’s best of 56.00.