Akani Simbine is still South Africa's fastest man. He proved this afternoon when he won the 100 metres in 9.99s during the South African in 9.99s.

"I am happy. I came here to be South Africa's number one," the Tuks sprinter said, smiling.

Running sub ten seconds at Tuks seems to become a habit for 
Simbine. 

"It is essential to be consistent as it builds confidence. I need to know when I compete internationally that I got the speed in me. To trust my legs" is how Simbine explains it.

The South African champion refers to his coach, Werner Prinsloo, as the "engineer".

"My coach is continuously trying to find ways to get me to be faster. To run a clean race. Be the best I can be. That is why he is the engineer."

The 100m men's final ended up being an all Tuks affair. Gift Leotlela was second in 10.16s. Thembo Monareng was third in 10.33s. 

The women's 100m final was won by Tuks's Reabetse Moloi. Her winning time was 11.55s. Miranda Coetzee was second in 11.69s and Boipelo Tshemese third in 11.70s.

"It is not an 'easy medal'. I had to overcome a lot of challenges to be here. I wish my time was a bit faster, but I will take the win for now," Reabetse said.

The 18-year-old sports science student, Marione Fourie, won the 100m-hurdles in a time of 13.56s. She is also the South African junior champion. Last week in the Paarl she won in 13.47s. 

The South African 100m-hurdles record holder, Rikenette Steenkamp, withdrew from the final due to health issues. Her heart rate was quite high after she had raced the heats in the morning. It seems she has not yet fully recovered after testing positive for Covid earlier this year. 

Wayde van Niekerk ran the fastest time during the men's 200m semi-finals. He clocked a time of 20.38s. 

"I can't complain. It was a quality race. Anaso (Jobodwana) ran a good bend. I used him to get us over the finish line," Van Niekerk said afterwards.

The 17-year-old Benjamin Richardson (SA junior 100m and 200m champion) impressed racing against Van Niekerk. The Tuks athlete finished third in 20.99s.