Deji’s Doodles: Simbine outshines American duo, Sha’Carri fumbles yet again as we were served a treat at the East Coast relays

Deji’s Doodles: Simbine outshines American duo, Sha’Carri fumbles yet again as we were served a treat at the East Coast relays

What a weekend of action we had in track and field! From the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix, which had its usual windy times, to the second Diamond League of the year in China (Suzhou), athletes are already giving us indications of what to expect leading up to the Olympics in July. Oh yes, we also had a sprinkle of fast times at the LSU and Texas Invitational in the United States. First, let’s unpack some of the major talking points from the weekend’s action.

Akani Simbine isn’t down and out yet!

There is a reason they call Akani Simbine “Mr. Consistency.” It’s a title that has come to stick with him because of his level of turning up when it matters most and not running away from a race. Simply put, he always shows up. While all the talk leading up to the 100m at the Suzhou Diamond League was about the matchup between 2019 World Champion Christian Coleman and 2022 World Champion Fred Kerley, the South African reigned supreme at the end of the day.

Simbine, despite being the most experienced on the grid (he’s been competing at the top stage since 2016 and has made every major championship final—except 2023), still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Partly, that’s because he’s South African and has yet to win any major title. The latter is the most important feature of this sport: fast times and titles. Even at the presser before the race, the talk was about how Coleman could lower his personal best.

However, this race showed us that winning is still the name of the game, and if there is anybody who is darn good at it, it’s Simbine. One could chalk his win (10.01s) to the fact that he’s had a head start to the season compared to his rivals, as the South African outdoor season starts in early February, but most importantly, he never lets the pressure get to him.

The way he was able to reel back Coleman after the American blistering start and the presence of mind to surge past Kerley was a beauty to behold. Simbine knows he’s got minimal time to win a major championship. However, this win is a booster as he looks to get his hands on an Olympic medal this summer.

Should we be worried about Sha’Carri?

What is really happening to Sha’Carri Richardson? She was still in College then. Over the weekend, the reigning world champion lost her second race…