LISTEN: Akani Simbine aims high for Paris 2024 Olympics despite funding challenges
Financing woes continue to impact world-class athletes, but Akani Simbine won't give up.
Akani Simbine speaks to Robert Marawa. Photo: 947
Robert Marawa catches up with Olympic athlete, Akani Simbine.
Listen below.
At just 30 years old, Akani Simbine is the one to watch every time he hits the track.
He finished fifth in the 100m-dash at the 2016 Rio Olympics, just missed out on 100m-bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and broke the 100m African record in 2021 with a time of 9.84 – he is unstoppable.
Next stop is the Diamond League in China, followed by the 2024 Paris Olympics. And Simbine has set his sights on podium finishes for both.
He says this season is especially important after last year's rocky race, when he was red-carded for a false start during the 100m semifinal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
“For me, this is more of a redemption season coming from last year’s false start. More redemption, more hunger, more me trying to actually go to the Olympics and make my podium finish, finally.”
- Akani Simbine, Olympic athlete
But progress to the podium isn't without its challenges.
While athletes are supported by several federations in some way, a majority are left to foot their own bills.
Simbine says while he may be competing in China's Diamond Cup at the end of this month, he has to shell out for himself, his trainer, and physiotherapist.
“But you’re a South African athlete? Don’t you go on the podium and sing Nkosi sikelel?... Where’s the national support? We can’t always... expect the athlete to go through the stress, the trauma, of finding out how to get themselves [there].”
- Robert Marawa, Marawa Sports Worldwide
“For me, I think it’s planning… I'm in a fortunate position, but it’s all because I have worked hard and I have been blessed with a good contract, good sponsors, and I use that other funding to fund me.”
- Akani Simbine, Olympic athlete
Simbine says he remains focused on his goal regardless of the noise around him.
“I have reached out to a lot of people asking if they can support the dream… I'm going to keep trying, because I think it’s something that I am doing for myself."
Akani Simbine, Olympic athlete
"I want to make sure that I’m 100% prepared for the Olympic Games, so that I can get the medal and make sure I step onto the podium being proud to be a South African.”
- Akani Simbine, Olympic athlete
Watch the interview below (skip to 14:05):