South Africa’s Akani Simbine has led the country’s relay team to their first medal in athletics at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The 30-year-old anchored South Africa’s 4x100m men’s relay team to clinch a podium finish and win the silver medal in the event’s final on Friday.
South Africa finished behind Canada to win the silver medal in the Men’s 4x100m relay final at the Stade de France in Paris.
Simbine had missed out narrowly on a podium finish in the 100m final earlier but made sure Mzansi claimed a medal in athletics with an outstanding finish in the final leg of the relay.
The sprint star replicated his performance during the heats, coasting past several runners to secure the silver medal for Mzansi.
South Africa set an African record after crossing the line in 37.57 seconds, behind Canada, who crossed the line in 37.50 seconds, while Great Britain got the bronze medal.
The men’s relay team’s silver moves South Africa to five medals at the Games in Paris, making their record one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.