Akani Simbine stepped on the podium on Friday, with a third place finish in the men's 60m final to secure South Africa's first medal on the opening day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.

He grabbed the bronze medal in 6.54 seconds, with Jeremiah Azu of Great Britain securing gold in 6.49 and Lachlan Kennedy of Australia earning silver in 6.50.

Making his debut at the World Indoor Championships, Simbine had earlier won his first-round heat in 6.57 before taking second place in his semi-final in 6.53, equalling his personal best over the 60m distance.

This is South Africa's first World Indoor Championships medal since 2018.

In the morning session on Friday, Prudence Sekgodiso also delivered a fine performance, winning her first-round heat in 2:03.89. She crossed the line alongside Nigist Getachew of Ethiopia, who was just 0.02 off the pace in second position, clocking 2:03.91.

Sekgodiso booked her place in the semi-finals to be held at 6.05am on Saturday morning. She will be the only SA athlete in action on Day 2.

"Simbine has taken the major pressure off the team with this bronze by fulfilling the primary mandate of bringing back a medal. It's a super achievement for him considering he was running his first world indoors. It's to Simbine for a well deserved podium finish!

"We trust that his performance will continue to inspire those who are still in competition and we wish well Prudence in her contest tomorrow," said an overjoyed James Moloi,  the President of Athletics South Africa. 

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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