Redemption-Seeking Simbine Chases 13th Diamond League 100m Win in Rome
Two-time Golden Gala champion Akani Simbine will be looking to reignite his 2026 Diamond League campaign on familiar ground when he lines up in the men’s 100 metres at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 32-year-old South African, who made his Diamond League debut in Paris in 2014, has already collected 12 victories on the circuit. A win in Rome would not only mark his third Golden Gala triumph but also his 13th career Diamond League victory.
Simbine arrives in the Italian capital after a difficult start to the season, finishing sixth in Shanghai with 10.05 seconds and fifth in Xiamen in 10.04. The former African record holder and four-time World Championships finalist knows he must overcome formidable opposition to reclaim his winning form.
The men’s 100 metres is one of the marquee events of the Golden Gala, and this year’s field is stacked with global sprinting stars.
Olympic champion Noah Lyles returns to Rome seven years after his memorable 200m run, bringing with him eight World Championship gold medals, Olympic gold in the 100m from Paris 2024, and a North American record of 19.31 in the 200m. Lyles is also the reigning Diamond League champion, with six titles to his name.
Home favourite Marcell Jacobs will look to thrill the Italian crowd. The Olympic champion opened his season with a wind-assisted 10.01 in Savona and will use Rome as a key preparation for the European Championships.
World indoor champion Jordan Anthony makes his Diamond League debut after clocking 9.91 in the 100m and 20.05 in the 200m earlier this season. He joins an international lineup that includes African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala, who has already broken 10 seconds five times in 2026, Olympic 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek, Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo, Diamond League Final champion Ackeem Blake, and European indoor champion Jeremiah Azu.
