Akani Simbine, a celebrated South African sprinter, has had a successful career since 2010, with notable achievements across international events.
Akani Simbine is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of sprinting in Africa and there is no doubt about that, thanks to his longevity in the world of track and field.
Akani Simbine was a sporty individual even in his childhood and in a previous interview, the South African sprinting ace revealed that football was actually his first love before transitioning to athletics. He also played cricket and rugby at some point in his childhood before the transition.
He started his career in sprinting back in 2010 and has managed to stay consistent to date, having represented his nation and Africa at large in many international events.
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Simbine continues to be a source of inspiration to many young African sprinters and individuals like Ferdinand Omanyala and Letsile Tebogo have opened up about how much of an inspiration he is to them.
Akani Simbine: Age, Tribe, Relationship status, Career & Net Worth
How old is Akani Simbine?
South Africa’s sprinting star Akani Simbine
Image source: Imago
Akani Simbine was born on September 21, 1993, meaning he is 31 years of age as of now. Simbine was born in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa.
The South African got his sprinting genes from his mother Elsie. Not much is said about his early education but it is confirmed that he attended the Edenglen High School.
Despite being an athlete herself, Simbine’s mother advised that he completes his university education first before deciding what he wanted to do with his future.
After high school, Akani Simbine went on to complete a Bachelor of Information Science degree in 2017 at the University of Pretoria.
Which tribe is Akani Simbine from?
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South Africa’s Akani Simbine in action at the Paris Olympic Games
Image source: Imago
Akani Simbine is of Zulu heritage, undeniably one of the largest and most prominent ethnic groups in South Africa. The Zulu tribe is known for its rich culture, traditions, and history of resilience.
The Zulu people have also played a huge role in shaping South Africa’s cultural and historical identity. Akani Simbine was raised in a close-knit family and his upbringing was in a multicultural urban setting, paired with his Zulu roots. Simbine’s heritage and background as a Zulu has added a layer of depth to his successful athletics career.
Is Akani Simbine married?
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Akani Simbine and his wife Terisa Webb at their wedding on December 7, 2024.
Image source: Akani Simbine Instagram
Many fans are curious to know the relationship status of Akani Simbine and this was anticipated, thanks to his well-toned body and astonishing look.
However, this will break the hearts of many since Simbine is married to his long-time partner, Terisa Webb. They tied the knot in a low-profile but colourful wedding on December 7, 2024, at the Quoin Rock Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The white wedding came after the couple had in January of 2024 held a traditional ceremony.
The wedding was graced by their close friends and family. Fellow athletes including Caster Semenya and her wife, Violet Raseboya were also present.
The wedding was an all-black theme and the bride stole the show with her sophisticated strapless silk gown. Akani Simbine wore a white double-breasted suit.
Terisa Webb, now Terisa Simbine, is a YouTuber and social media influencer and together, they have a one-year-old son.
Akani Simbine’s career life
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Akani Simbine at the Paris Olympic Games
Image source: Imago
Before Akani Simbine became a sprinter, he played football, cricket and rugby but that has not been detailed since it was during his childhood.
Simbine started his career in track and field in 2010 and at the time, he competed in the 100m and 200m at the Germiston South African U18 Championships.
The same trend continued in 2011 and in 2012, he got the first chance to compete outside the country, racing in the 100m and 200m in Lusaka, Zambia.
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Akani Simbine and Ferdinand Omanyala pose for a photo
Image source: Imago
Akani Simbine even achieved a greater milestone in 2013, turning professional and getting an opportunity to compete at the World Championships in Moskva. He was eliminated in the heats but his hunger for success grew after tasting the global scene.
In 2014, his star even shone bright and he got a chance to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Games and the Marrakesh African Championships and despite exiting with no medal, he certainly left with tons of experience.
In 2015, he competed at the World Championships in Beijing, China and also left with no medal. However, he was impressive that season as he equalled the South African 100m record and set an event record at the 2015 Universiade in Gwangju, South Korea.
In 2016, he broke the South African 100m record with a time of 9.89 seconds at the Gyulai István Memorial in Székesfehérvár before making his Olympic debut at the Rio Olympic Games where he raced in the men’s 100m and finished fifth in 9.94 seconds.
Akani Simbine competed at the 2017 World Championships in Doha, Qatar and also missed a medal in both the 100m and 200m before proceeding to claim gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and African Championships.
The 2019 season saw Akani Simbine get another chance to compete at the World Championships but he also missed the medal bracket and then also competed at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games where he finished fourth in the final of the men’s 100m.
He finished second at the 2022 African Athletics Championships and the Commonwealth Games and was also in action at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. In 2023, he was disqualified from the men’s 100m at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, the major event of the season.
The 2024 season was a moment of breakthrough for Akani Simbine who anchored Team South Africa to a silver medal in the men’s 4x100m relay. Simbine also finished fourth in the men’s 100m final.
What is Akani Simbine’s net worth?
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Akani Simbine poses for a photo after Diamond League victory
Image source: Imago
Akani Simbine has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million with his substantial earnings coming from his successful athletic career and lucrative endorsement deals.
Simbine is a brand ambassador for luxury watchmaker Richard Mille and has also been associated with Mercedes-Benz. His impressive performances on the track have solidified his reputation and contributed to his financial success.
