Experienced sprinter Akani Simbine has booked his place in the 2025 Diamond League series final, joining compatriot Jo-Ane du Plessis among the early qualifiers for the closing leg of the top-flight international campaign.
Simbine settled for fifth place in the men’s 100m race at the London leg of the series on Saturday, clocking 10.11 seconds, but he picked up enough points to secure his spot in the final after claiming three Diamond League victories earlier this season.
Du Plessis, lying in second place in the women’s javelin throw standings, had already qualified for the Diamond League final by securing three top-five finishes (including two podium places) in meetings held earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Zakithi Nene climbed to third place in the men’s 400m standings by taking third place in London in 44.29.
Though he hasn’t yet qualified for the final, Nene is well placed with just three league meetings remaining ahead of the series decider.
Three other South Africans – Prudence Sekgodiso, Marione Fourie (currently sidelined after a shoulder operation) and Zeney van der Walt – are also lying in the top eight of the standings in their disciplines.
