Akani Simbine reveals wife's roles in his track success
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 08.05.26. | 16:42
The 31-year-old explained that Webb entered the relationship with little knowledge about athletics but has embraced the journey alongside him
South African sprinter Akani Simbine has opened up on how marriage and family stability have transformed both his life and career, crediting his wife, Terisa Webb, for helping him become a more relaxed and fulfilled athlete.
Since tying the knot in December 2024, Simbine has enjoyed one of the most remarkable stretches of his career.
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He has produced consistent world-class performances while embracing a new mindset away from the pressure that once defined his approach to sprinting.
The South African sprint star began 2025 in historic fashion at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, where he secured the first individual global medal of his career after claiming bronze in the 60m in 6.53 seconds.
That success sparked an outstanding outdoor campaign in which Simbine became the first man in history to run sub-10-second 100m races for 11 consecutive years, surpassing the record previously held by Usain Bolt.
He remained unbeaten in the 100m by late May 2025, claiming victories at the Xiamen Diamond League, the Rabat Diamond League, and the Atlanta City Games, while also clocking a world-leading 9.90 seconds at the Botswana Grand Prix.
Simbine also captained South Africa at the World Athletics Relays, anchoring the men’s 4x100m team to gold as he secured qualification for the 2025 Diamond League final.
The momentum carried into 2026, where Simbine continued to show elite consistency despite an injury scare.
He launched the inaugural Simbine Classic at Pilditch Stadium on April 28, becoming the first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting hosted in South Africa.
Although he suffered a minor injury in the final after running a wind-assisted 9.98 seconds in the heats, Simbine quickly bounced back to anchor South Africa to silver at the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Botswana, where the team set a new African 4x100m record of 37.49 seconds.
Reflecting on his recent journey, Simbine said the support system around him has allowed him to grow beyond athletics.
“It’s been a space where I have been able to grow. I have my wife, my family, and I have my own home, and I’m really grateful for them because they support me and they support this career of mine,” Simbine said as per Pulse Sports.
The 31-year-old explained that Webb entered the relationship with little knowledge about athletics but has embraced the journey alongside him.
“My wife got into the sport not knowing anything, and she is still learning about it while also supporting me. It has helped me grow and helped me become a better person, and there are things I’m still learning,” he added.
Simbine also revealed that his approach to competition has shifted significantly since 2024, with less emphasis on external validation and more focus on enjoying the process.
“Since 2024, it has been growing, and I’ve also let go of the thing of chasing medals and having to prove to the world that I am this great sprinter when my results can speak for themselves,” he said.
“It’s just me running free and being on the track and just feeling the love of everybody that supports me in this long career that I didn’t even plan. It was God's gift and God's plan for me,” he added.