‘I put my marker out to the world today that I am here,’ says Simbine after winning 100m race in Oslo

Former African 100m record holder and two time Olympic finalist, Akani Simbine says he accomplished his goal of winning the 100m event at the Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway, the sixth leg of the 15-leg Diamond League meetings in 2024.
Simbine’s victory in the blue ribband event was his second in the Diamond League after winning in Suzhou, China in April.
The South African is confident he can fulfil expectations in Paris at the Olympics and believes he has set a marker for the event ahead of the Games.
His 9.94 run in pouring rain is his first sub-10 seconds performance of the year as the 30 year old has kept improving after running 10.01 into a massive head wind in his last two races before Oslo.
He finished just 100th of a second off the 9.93 world lead by Christian Miller and in a race that featured reigning Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy.
‘It ended up in the rain which probably influenced the race but at the end of the day we all have to run 100m rain or not and get to the line first.
‘I did that today which I am happy with but I have a lot to work on and a lot to do. I am happy with my performance and I hope there will be more highlights coming up as we build towards the Olympic Games.
‘I put my marker out to the world today that I am here. The goal was the win today and I did that. Getting the win always helps with confidence as we get closer to Paris,’ said Simbine who was fourth in Tokyo three years ago.