Akani Simbine to give SA athletes a chance to compete at home

The event, which was officially launched on Friday, is set to become the first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event to be staged in South Africa

Speaking to SABC Sport, the multiple Olympic 100m finalist said the meeting was created with the aim of giving domestic athletes a world-class platform on home soil.

“The event is not just about me, it’s about giving South African athletes the opportunity to compete against global stars here at home,” Simbine said.

“What’s important is that we use the meet to showcase South African talent on a global stage. Yes, there will be high-profile athletes coming from abroad, but the focus is on our athletes. 

"When we travel overseas, it’s usually one South African against a group of local athletes. Now we are bringing that experience to South Africa and giving our athletes the first opportunity to line up in those lanes.”

READ: Simbine calls for athletes to be honoured while they are still alive

The inaugural event will take place at Pilditch Stadium on 28 April, and the 32-year-old wants to start building his legacy beyond his racing days, although he is not ready to call time on his illustrious career yet.

"I’m not retiring anytime soon, but I want to leave the sport in a better place. If I had decided to do this after retirement, the meet probably wouldn’t have received this much attention," he explained.

"Doing it now gives it credibility because I understand what athletes need at competitions. At the same time, I want to build something that will outlive me and inspire the next generation.”

With the Simbine Classic set to become an annual event, the three-time Olympic 100m finalist hopes it will grow into a major fixture on the global athletics calendar while continuing to shine a spotlight on South African sprint talent.