Nanjing, China – March 21, 2025
South Africa’s sprint star Akani Simbine eased into the men’s 60m semifinals at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, winning his heat in confident fashion on Day 1 of the competition.
Simbine clocked 6.57 seconds to claim victory in Heat 1 of 8, with local favourite Xinrui Deng taking second to also secure automatic qualification. The top two athletes from each heat, along with the next eight fastest times across all heats, progressed to the semifinals.
The men’s 60m semifinals are scheduled to take place later today at 14:03 (SA time) / 20:03 (local time), with the final set for 15:24 (SA time) / 21:24 (local time) — making it a high-stakes double-header for those advancing.
Simbine, a seasoned campaigner on the world stage, will be eyeing a place on the podium in what promises to be a tightly contested final against a world-class field.
Earlier in the day, fellow South African Prudence Sekgodiso also progressed to the semifinals of the women’s 800m after winning her heat. She will return to the track tomorrow morning for her semifinal showdown.
Sekgodiso Cruises Into 800m Semifinals at World Athletics Indoor Championships
Team South Africa’s presence in Nanjing continues on Sunday (Day 3), when Chris van Niekerk (men’s shot put) and Cheswill Johnson (men’s long jump) are both set to compete. Van Niekerk is scheduled to start at 13:38 (SA time), with Johnson following shortly after at 13:40.
For now, Simbine will look to rest and recover ahead of what could be a defining evening, as he aims to secure a place in the 60m final and contend for a World Indoor medal.
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