Two of Africa’s top sprinters, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and South Africa’s Akani Simbine, compete head-to-head in the 200m event at the University of Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.
The spectacle forms part of the ASA Grand Prix Series, an integral component of the World Athletics Continental Tour that is advancing rapidly with the first two legs already in the books.
Kicking off at McArthur Stadium, the series launched with an impressive debut in Potchefstroom before heading to Pretoria for the second leg on March 18.
The series culminates with the final leg taking place in Johannesburg today, with the main event of the evening undoubtedly the 200m showdown.
Simbine, South Africa’s leading sprinter, has a remarkable record, highlighted by a gold in the 100m at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and holding the national 100m record at 9.89 seconds.
His global presence is underscored by a fifth-place finish in the 100m at the 2016 Rio Olympics and making it to the finals of the World Championships in 2019 and 2021.
Although Simbine specialises in the 100m, he is no slouch when it comes to doubling the distance and holds a 200m personal best of 19.95 seconds.
Letsile Tebogo, Botswana’s emerging sprint prodigy, has rapidly risen through the ranks, marked by his groundbreaking performances that included breaking the 300m world record earlier this year.
He set a world U20 record in the 100 metres with a time of 9.94 seconds and went on to win gold in both the 100m and 200m at the 2021 World U20 Championships, with his ability to perform under pressure further demonstrated when he defended his 100m title at the 2022 World U20 Championships.
Catch the LIVE action on SuperSport Variety 3 from 6pm (SAST)
Photos: Gallo/Roger Sedres, Steph Chambers
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