WHAT’S ON SIMBINE

SOUTH AFRICA’S top sprinter, Akani Simbine will be targeting the 200m at the Athletics SA Senior Track & Field and Combined Events Championships at Germiston Athletics Stadium from 25-27 April.

After opening his season in the first leg of the Athletics Grand Prix Series on Saturday in Mangaung by running the anchor leg of the 4x100m, Simbine’s coach, Werner Prinsloo confirmed that he is satisfied with the progress of his athlete.

“He looked good in the top bend and ran hard. I am happy with where we are in our training right now and the relay was a good leg loosener for him,” said Prinsloo.

Simbine, pictured, will focus on the 200m at the national championships due to the long season and will only shift his attention to the shorter sprint, the 100m, closer to the world championships in Doha in September.

“Akani has a wild card entry into the world championships 100m courtesy of his Africa title which he won last year. That means we are able to put more emphasis on the endurance element of his sprinting at this time, which is why we are looking at the 200m.”

Simbine anchored the SA A team to victory in Mangaung, crossing the line in 38.88 seconds. The men’s 200m heats will start next Friday at 10.15am, with the semi-finals on the same day at 4pm and the finals next Saturday at 6.15pm according to the provisional time table.

SA record holder, Clarence Munyai who scorched a 19.69secs in the semifinals of the 2018 National Championships, will be opening his season in Germiston.

A slight niggle prevented the 21-yearold from competing at the Athletics Grand Prix and the decision was taken to make sure he would be 100% in shape for the nationals. Munyai ran a 32.75s 300m on 15 February , giving a good indication that he is coming into form well.

“He is looking good at training,” said his coach, Hennie Kriel. “We all know he is a fast athlete, so if he stays healthy, then his 200m will be pretty good come the championships.”

Luxolo Adams will not relinquish his title without a challenge though. The African 200m bronze medallist has already run a 20.30 200m in March. |