Middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso and sprinter Akani Simbine ran the fastest times in the world this year in their specialist events over the weekend, as other South African athletes also shining across the world.

Sekgodiso was superb on Sunday night, closing out the weekend in style by winning the women's 800m race at the fourth leg of the World Athletics Diamond League series in Marrakech, Morocco. The 22-year-old athlete stopped the clock at 1:57.26, taking a chunk off her personal best of 1:58.05 which she set in Tshwane earlier this year.

Her time was the fastest in the world this season, as she made a significant statement, comfortably holding off a challenge from Ethiopian athlete Habitam Alemu who finished second in 1:57.70.

"I didn't expect to run so fast. Winning was in my mind but not with such a fast time. It's crazy fast," Sekgodiso said.
"I am so proud of myself tonight. Achieving a world lead and a personal best is just amazing."

Four other SA athletes competed at the Diamond League meeting in the North African city, though nobody else managed to reach the podium.

Lythe Pillay was fourth in the men's 400m sprint, completing the one-lap race in 44.78. In a blanket finish, the 21-year-old athlete finished just 0.27 behind world indoor champion Alexander Doom of Belgium who won the race in 44.51.

In the women's 400m hurdles contest, African champion Zeney Geldenhuys took fourth place in 55.28. Jamaican athlete Rushell Clayton secured victory in 53.98.

Middle-distance runner Tshepo Tshite settled for eighth place in the men's 1 500m race in 3:35.21, with compatriot Ryan Mphahlele ending 11th in 3:39.34. The race was won by French athlete Azeddine Habz in 3:32.86.

On Saturday night, SA record holder Simbine won the men's100m race at the Atlanta City Games in the United States in a season's best 9.90 seconds. Simbine ran the fastest time in the world this year, outclassing African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya who finished second in 10.00. It was Simbine's fastest time since 2021 and the third fastest of his career.

Elsewhere, in London also on Saturday, long-distance runner Glenrose Xaba also did well to set a 10 000m personal best of 31:26.78 at the Night of the 10 000m PB's meeting. Xaba, a seven-time national champion over 25 laps, dipped under 32 minutes for the first time in her career, finishing sixth in a race won by Scottish athlete Megan Keith in 31:03.02.

"These are good vibes for South Africa when our athletes are setting leading times in the world and reaching the podium," says James Moloi, the President ofAthletics South Africa."  It's also a great achievement when our athletes are getting invited to the Diamond League and major events, because it not only says they are at the right level but it also affords them that needed income. 

"Congratulations to everyone, with special mention to Prudence and Akani for their tremendous results."

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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