Simbine: ‘I am the first to beat Fred Kerley this year’

Akani Simbine became the first man to beat reigning World champion this year after storming home first in 9.97 at the Diamond League meeting in Silesia,Poland on Sunday.

The 29 year old was a 100th of a second ahead of Kerley who finished second in 9.98 while Cameroun’s Emmanuel Eseme was third also in 9.98.

The win was Simbine second over Kerley in nine head to head clashes and first since July 2021 when the South African ran 9.98 to come second with Kerley fourth in 10.15 at the Herculis Diamond League meeting in Monaco.

Simbine was excited to become the first man to beat Kerley while the world champion offered no excuses for coming second.

‘I was not sure getting to the line that I won. But then I heard my name! I came in here for the win, so I am most happy. I won against all of them, not only against the World Champion Fred Kerley. I know, I am the first to beat Fred this year, we have a good friendship, a good rivalry.

‘I am very satisfied with my performance and hope to continue my good form. It is amazing and beautiful here, one of the best Diamond League meetings in the circuit. I love this stadium, it is big, but you still feel close to the crowd. I will come back here next year,’ said Simbine after the race.

Kerley also siad post race: ‘I feel good about today´s race. Nothing was missing. I got my job done.’