“It’s a Different Akani” – Simbine Promises Big Statement Against Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson at World Championships.

“It’s a Different Akani” – Simbine Promises Big Statement Against Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson at World Championships.

Akani Simbine is sending a clear message ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships: underestimate him at your peril. The South African sprint star, a consistent force in global 100m competition over the past decade, says he is entering the championships as a “different Akani”—hungrier, sharper, and more determined than ever to challenge the sport’s biggest names, including American sensation Noah Lyles and Jamaica’s rising powerhouse Kishane Thompson.

 

“People are going to see something special,” Simbine said in a recent interview. “This year, I’ve changed everything—how I train, how I recover, how I think. It’s a different Akani stepping onto that track.”

The 32-year-old sprinter has long been known for his consistency in major finals, having reached every global 100m final since 2016. However, a podium finish at the World Championships or Olympics has continued to elude him. Simbine is adamant that 2025 is the year that changes.

“I’ve come close so many times. I’ve had the speed, I’ve had the form, but now I’ve got something else—clarity,” he said. “It’s not just about running fast anymore. It’s about dominating when it counts.”

This confidence comes on the heels of a strong 2025 season, where Simbine has quietly clocked sub-10-second runs and demonstrated impressive finishing strength. While much of the spotlight has been on Lyles—who has made his intentions clear to dominate both the 100m and 200m—and on Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, who exploded onto the scene with blistering times, Simbine is content to let others soak up the headlines, for now.

“I respect what Noah and Kishane have done. They’re incredible athletes. But I’m not going to the World Championships to just make up the numbers. I’m going there to win,” Simbine stated firmly. “They’re going to have to deal with me in that final.”

Lyles, the reigning world 100m and 200m champion, has made it clear that his goal is to become one of the greatest sprinters in history. Meanwhile, Thompson, the young Jamaican with a devastating top-end speed, has emerged as a real contender. But Simbine believes his experience and renewed focus give him the edge.

“I’ve been here before. I’ve lined up next to the best and held my own. But now I’m in a space where I believe I can beat them,” he said. “This is not the same guy from Tokyo or Budapest. It’s a different Akani.”

Simbine’s coach has echoed that sentiment, praising the athlete’s discipline, maturity, and explosive form heading into the championships. “He’s more locked in than I’ve ever seen him,” the coach noted.

With the men’s 100m shaping up to be one of the most competitive events at the World Championships, Simbine’s quiet confidence is a compelling subplot. Whether it’s finally his time to stand on the podium remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Akani Simbine isn’t coming to participate. He’scoming to conquer.