An Olympic medal does not define me - Akani Simbine

The South African team, consisting of Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana, and Bayana Walaza, set an African record with a time of 37.57 seconds, finishing just behind Canada, who clocked 37.50 seconds.

Great Britain took third place with a time of 37.61 seconds.   

After narrowly missing out on a medal in previous competitions, Simbine told SABC Sport that he knows his worth and that a medal does not define him.

"I think this one is not just for me, I think it's for everyone who has wished a medal upon me. Everybody has been saying, I'm the fourth, the guy that comes fourth but that doesn't define me, I think my definition comes from me proving myself as a consistent sprinter on the circuit,” Simbine said.

“I've got the respect of the circuit and that means more than a medal and everyone on the circuit has been saying 'We are rooting for you to get a medal' and I've got my medal now but that does not define the sprinter that I am.

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 I'm really happy with where I am right now, I'm really happy with getting the medal but that's not for me, it's for everyone that said 'Akani we want you to win the medal."

Simbine had a message for those critics who have been doubting his ability to secure a medal, even though he has come incredibly close on numerous occasions.

He also dedicated his medal to all those who have supported him along the way.

"Try running 100 meters first before you talk. I think Everyone has been wishing for a medal for me and for me that goes to everybody. Like I can't even name one person, it's just everyone that has been on this journey, everyone that has wished for me to get a medal and I'm super grateful for it, I'm happy with it,” he added.

“I still have a season to finish off, I'm still gonna be in Europe for a bit and then finish off the league and then go home."