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

Speaking to SABC Sport ahead of the much-anticipated Akani Simbine Classic, the first World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger silver meeting to be staged on South African soil, Simbine said athletes deserve to see the appreciation for their achievements during their lifetime.

The 32-year-old sprint star will officially launch the meeting in Boksburg tomorrow at 3pm, where he is expected to unveil his vision for the event and the calibre of international athletes he hopes to attract to the country.

Simbine has already enjoyed success with his school sports series and now wants to take things a step further by bringing world-class track and field competition to local fans, but he insists the meeting is not about personal glory.

Instead, the multiple Olympic 100m and World Championships finalist wants to build a lasting legacy that will inspire the next generation long after he retires following the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

“In Kenya they celebrate the Kip Keino Classic every year, and it’s something that honours one of their legends,” said Simbine.

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“Celebrate us while we are still alive. That’s all I’m asking for. Imagine youngsters being able to come to me face-to-face to ask how I navigated the ups and downs and how I overcame challenges, instead of only hearing stories about me when I’m gone.

“This is an opportunity for South Africa to have something of our own — something that celebrates not just me, but the sport itself.”

Simbine has also confirmed that he will compete at the Hazekiel Sepeng Invitational Continental Tour Challenger meeting scheduled for 7 April at North West University Stadium in Potchefstroom.

Beyond the track, the Olympic finalist is also focused on building the business side of the sport through his company Backtrack Sports, where he serves as chief executive officer.

“For me, Backtrack has always been about the entrepreneurial side of things — getting involved in the business of sport like broadcasting and creating opportunities,” Simbine explained.

“The business is growing, and the people we bring in are often athletes. We want to give them skills and job opportunities beyond their sporting careers.”

Hazekiel Sepeng, the High-Performance Manager at Athletics South Africa, has welcomed the initiative and congratulated Simbine ahead of the launch.

“It’s about time events in South Africa are named after athletes, just like they do in other parts of the world,” said Sepeng.

“He deserves it, and we are looking forward to both the launch and the event.”