Akani Simbine will not give up - coach Warner Prinsloo

Simbine considered a top contender for his first major international individual medal in the men’s 100m, faced a heart-breaking false start disqualification in the semi-finals.

Both Simbine and Coach Prinsloo were left stunned, as they had harboured hopes of a coveted medal. Back in South Africa, the entire nation had placed its faith in Simbine, anticipating his fifth international final appearance, but had a different plan.

In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, Prinsloo, who has been coaching Simbine for 13 years, shared his complex emotions when reflecting on the recently concluded season.

He had strong confidence that Simbine would secure a spot on the podium, especially considering the outstanding form he displayed just two days before the World Championships.

Prinsloo commented, “Prior to the World Championships, we notched up four victories, including two in the prestigious Diamond League, and our preparations were on track. Just two days before the event, Akani showcased exceptional form, and his performance in the semifinals was commendable. Nevertheless, the false start took us by surprise. Akani is not known for false starts, so witnessing it happen was quite startling. To his credit, he accepted it with grace and handled the situation maturely. Afterward, he remained relatively quiet, and both of us were still reeling from the unexpected turn of events,” said

Simbine is presently enjoying a well-deserved holiday break and plans to return to training for approximately one and a half months, gearing up for the upcoming season.

However, there was disappointment as the 4x100m relay team faced a setback, failing to complete the race after a mishap with the baton exchange in the final. This unfortunate turn of events left Simbine feeling disheartened.

His coach remarked, “Akani is taking his time to rest and put this season behind him. Unfortunately, there was a communication breakdown in the relay, resulting in an unfinished race,”

Prinsloo emphasized their unwavering determination, stating that giving up is simply not on the table. They intend to regroup, gather their thoughts, and dedicate themselves to preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games next year.

Regardless of any criticism or labels of underachievement that may come their way, Prinsloo remains resolute in his belief that Simbine has the potential to secure a medal in Paris.

“We’re determined to persist and continue striving for success, while Budapest didn’t yield the results we hoped for, were unwavering in our commitment to prepare for Paris. With Akani’s dedication, we firmly believe he can clinch a medal there. Disappointment is a part of the journey, but life moves forward. We’re aware that people may judge us, yet they often don’t see the behind-the-scenes efforts. It’s true that we’ve been together 13-14 years without winning a medal, but our resolve to work tirelessly remains unshaken,” added Prinsloo.