The wait for an individual 100m African Championships title came to an end today for the pair of South Africa’s Akani Simbine and Ivory Coast’s Marie Josee Ta Lou, as both sprinters stormed to GOLD in the men and women’s 100m final respectively on Day 2 of the 21st African Championships in Asaba, Nigeria.
Although breaking the African Record would have been the perfect icing on the cake for Simbine, the South African was contented with his first individual African title, upgrading from the Bronze medal he won in Durban two years ago.
He inspired a 1-2 for his nation, winning the race in a time of 10.25s as Ivorian Record holder Arthur Cisse followed in 10.33s. Simon Magakwe settled for Bronze with a time of 10.35s while defending champion, Ben Youssef Meite narrowly missed a place on the podium, finishing 4th in 10.36s.
Meanwhile Ta Lou maintained her unbeaten streak in the 100m this year as she raced to GOLD in 11.15s, having easily dominated her heats and semis. Having won Bronze in Marrakech four years ago and another Bronze in Durban in 2016, the petite Ivorian would be pleased with her first African Championships title in the 100m.
Ghana’s Janet Amponsah claimed Silver in 11.54s as Nigeria’s Joy Udo-Gabriel (11.58s) won Bronze at her maiden outing at the African Championships.
More to follow!
