There was good news and bad news for South African sprinters in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League Final in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday night — with excitement at the return to form of veteran Akani Simbine tinged with sadness over the injury to teen sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza midway through the race.
Simbine dipped below 10 seconds as he scorched to silver in a time of 9.98 seconds, just one-hundredth of a second behind American Christian Coleman, who won in 9.97. Ackeem Blake of Jamaica claimed third in 9.99.
The third South African in the race, Shaun Maswanganyi, finished seventh in 10.19.
Meanwhile, Walaza had started well in the inside lane, his head bobbing side to side in his trademark style, and looked to be turning on the afterburners when disaster struck. About 70 metres into the race, he pulled up clutching his hamstring. He bravely pushed through to finish, but was in visible agony and emotional distress as he had to be taken off the track in a wheelchair.
The injury is a crippling blow for the rising star, who had done the sprint double at the World University Games and was considered a serious contender heading into the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, just weeks away.
His absence will also be a major setback for the South African 4x100m relay team, with Walaza a crucial part of the squad that won silver at the Paris Olympics and gold at the World Relays in China earlier this year.
For Simbine, dipping under 10 seconds marked a welcome return to top form, having failed to go sub-10 in his previous five outings. After starting the season strong with five consecutive sub-10 races, he had struggled until this breakthrough in Zurich.
“I was hoping for the win, but Coleman just got it,” Simbine said.“It was great to be out here and great to finally find my legs again. I’m happy with where we are right now. Despite not getting the diamond, I’m all good and looking forward to the champs.”
In the women’s javelin, the consistent Jo-Ane du Plessis delivered another solid performance, landing a 62.26m throw on her first attempt — her fourth 62m+ effort this season. Elina Tzengko of Greece took the win with 64.57m, while Adriana Vilagos of Slovenia placed second with 62.96m.
In other events, world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso had to settle for sixth place in the women’s 800m race in 1:58.57.
Zeney van der Walt finished eighth in the women’s 400m hurdles contest in 56.90, and Rogail Joseph was fifth in the women’s 400m hurdles B race, setting a season’s best of 56.00.
