Veteran sprinter Akani Simbine was back on the Diamond Lreague podium in Zurich on Thursday night when he finished second in the men's 100m final in a time of 9.98.
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South African sprint stars Akani Simbine and Sinesipho Dambile claimed silver medals at the Zurich Diamond League meeting on Thursday, but the night was soured by another injury setback for Bayanda Walaza.
Simbine’s return to the podium was particularly encouraging, coming shortly after he was named Sports Star of the Year at the 2026 SA Sport Awards. He has endured a testing period by his high standards, making his latest Diamond League silver a timely reminder of his ability to still compete with the world’s best.
The national record-holder clocked 9.98 seconds, finishing just 0.01 behind American Christian Coleman in a thrilling finish. Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake was third in 9.99.
Dambile, meanwhile, continued his remarkable consistency by finishing second in the men’s 200m in 19.82 seconds. Only American Kenny Bednarek, who clocked a world-leading 19.62, was able to deny the Commonwealth Games champion victory.
The result extended Dambile’s lead at the top of the Diamond League 200m standings and provided another confidence boost ahead of next week’s series final in Brussels.
He has now finished on the podium at five Diamond League meetings this season, underlining his emergence as one of the most consistent sprinters on the circuit.
“I am happy with my consistency, but I still need to work on my execution,” Dambile said. “I messed up putting it together well, especially coming out of the curve. It is always fun to race, but at the same time I am asking myself ‘what can I improve?’ So I enjoy and analyse at the same time.”
The contrasting fortunes of Walaza provided a disappointing end to the evening for South Africa, with the young sprinter suffering another injury setback in the 100m final as he continues his comeback from a serious hamstring injury.
Walaza endured a lengthy recovery after suffering his previous hamstring injury at the Zurich Diamond League meeting last year, but had shown encouraging signs since returning to competition earlier this season.
With the Diamond League season heading towards its September 4 to 5 final in Brussels, South Africa can nevertheless take encouragement from the form of Simbine and Dambile, while hoping Walaza’s latest setback proves temporary.
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