South African athletes delivered in style on Sunday, with sprinters Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine earning their second World Athletics Diamond League victories of the season at the eighth leg of the series in Silesia, Poland.

Van Niekerk coasted to a comfortable win in the men's 400m race, stopping the clock at 44.08 seconds - his fastest time since the 2017 season. 

The world record holder outclassed the rest of the line-up, with Bayapo Ndori of Botswana taking second place in 44.61. 

Former SA champion Zakithi Nene also did well to finish fourth, equalling his personal best of 44.74 set in Zurich in September last year. 

"Things are moving in a positive direction. I have been able to train consistently," Van Niekerk said. 

"It is my fastest run in seven years and 44.0 shows that 43 seconds is possible. The competition in my event is getting stronger, so I need to work to get better as well. 

"I do not feel any special pressure, but it is natural for an athlete to want to reach their best possible level. I will be going on to London now and then want to get some good training sessions before the World Championships (in Budapest next month).

Simbine, meanwhile, held his nerve in a closely contested 100m battle, snatching the win in 9.97 to hold off a challenge from world champion Fred Kerley of the United States, who finished second in 9.98. 

"I was not sure getting to the line that I won, but then I heard my name," said a delighted Simbine. 

"I came in here for the win, so I am most happy. I won against all of them, not only against the world champion Fred Kerley. 

"I know I am the first to beat Fred this year, but we have a good friendship and a good rivalry. I am very satisfied with my performance and hope to continue my good form."

In other events at the top-flight meeting, SA record holder Marione Fourie took ninth position in the women's 100m hurdles in 12.74. World champion Tobi Amusan of Nigeria won the race in 12.34. 

African 110m hurdles record holder Antonio Alkana was seventh in his heat in 13.44 and missed out on a place in the final.

"Congratulations to all our top performers of the day. This has been a super weekend for South Africa, but we five special recognition to the performances of Akani and Wayde who are keeping the world awake.

"We also acknowledge the work of their respective coaches and support staff," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa."

The ninth leg of the Diamond League series will be held in Monaco on Friday, 21 July.

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS