Akani Simbine delivered a sensational performance at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League meet in Stockholm, storming to victory in the men’s 100m final and edging out American sprint star Fred Kerley and Botswana’s rising sensation Letsile Tebogo. The South African sprinter clocked an impressive 9.90 seconds under cool evening conditions, marking his third win of the season and sending a clear message ahead of the World Championships.
The race was billed as one of the most anticipated clashes of the Diamond League calendar, with three elite sprinters all boasting sub-10 second credentials. Kerley, the 2022 World Champion and Olympic silver medallist, was seen as the favorite, while Tebogo, the 21-year-old phenom known for his explosive starts, was expected to challenge for the win. But it was Simbine, the seasoned campaigner, who timed his race to perfection and surged ahead in the final 20 meters.
From the gun, Tebogo got off to a typically sharp start, leading the field through the first 40 meters. Kerley, running in lane 5, quickly pulled level midway through the race, appearing to set up a head-to-head duel. However, Simbine, running out of lane 3, remained composed. With textbook technique and a flawless transition phase, he reeled in both his rivals and powered through the line in commanding fashion.
Kerley finished second in 9.94 seconds, while Tebogo had to settle for third at 9.98. The rest of the field followed, with no other athlete dipping below the 10-second mark.
Speaking after the race, a visibly pleased Simbine said: “It feels great to come out here and execute the way I know I can. I’ve been working hard on staying relaxed and finishing strong. I knew Fred and Letsile would go out fast, but I stuck to my race plan and trusted my top-end speed.”
This win not only cements Simbine’s status as one of the most consistent sprinters on the global stage but also builds vital momentum with the Paris 2025 World Championships looming just two months away. Having already won Diamond League events in Doha and Rabat earlier in the season, Simbine now stands atop the 100m rankings, firmly in contention for the overall title.
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