Ferdinand Omanyala: Akani Simbine Sends Message After Winning Atlanta City Games

• Akani Simbine stormed to victory in the 100m of the Atlanta City Games
• Simbine set the new world lead of 9.90 seconds, beating Ferdinand Omanyala
• The South African star reawakened the debate of the vest sprinter in Africa

Akani Simbine sent a strong message of intent to fellow African sprinters after winning the 100m at the Atlanta City Games on Saturday, May 18.

The South African set the fastest time in the race this year, clocking an impressive 9.90 seconds to beat Ferdinand Omanyala to the tape at Piedmont Park.

The race offered an opportunity for two of the best African sprinters to renew their rivalries as they prepare for another battle against American sprinters at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

Omanyala got off the blocks first, but Simbine clawed back to beat him in the second half to set the world lead this year. The Kenyan star failed to dip under 10 seconds yet again, clocking 10.00 seconds to come in second.

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Speaking after the race, Simbine spoke about his standing in Africa ahead of the Paris Games.

"I never left the conversation."

The 30-year-old is a former African champion and the record holder. He was dethroned by Omanyala, whose personal best of 9.77 seconds is the fastest time ever run by an African athlete.

In the first round, Simbine won his heat with a time of 10.10 seconds, while Omanyala used 10.12 seconds to win his heat.

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The conversation also included Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, a former world record holder U-20 in the 100m. He bagged silver in the 100m at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year before winning bronze in the 200m.

Tebogo was in action earlier at the Los Angeles Grand Prix, where he finished second with 10.13 seconds behind Kyree King's 10.11.

Fastest sprinters since Usain Bolt retired

Sports Brief has also reported on the fastest sprinters since Usain Bolt retired. The Jamaican exited the track in 2017 after winning eight Olympic gold medals, among other achievements.

His world records of 9.58 seconds in the 100m and 19.19 in the 200m remain unscathed.