Akani Simbine (RSA) in the 100m Men during the 2017 IAAF Diamond League, Lausanne on July 06, 2017 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by Robert Hradil/Gallo Images)
IAAF Diamond League: Akani Simbine finishes fourth in Monaco
Akani Simbine was no match for an in-form trio of Americans at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco on Friday night.
Akani Simbine (RSA) in the 100m Men during the 2017 IAAF Diamond League, Lausanne on July 06, 2017 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by Robert Hradil/Gallo Images)
South African sprinter Akani Simbine finished fourth at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco behind a trio of Americans.
World Champion Justin Gatlin made a fast start and held off the dual challenge of compatriots Noah Lyles and Michael Rodgers.
Gatlin dipped under the ten-second mark again recording a time of 9.91s to win and move joint-third in the Diamond League finals qualification standings.
Rodgers finished third but stays in second place overall behind Christian Coleman who has already qualified for the season finals in Zurich.
Simbine is currently fifth in the standings having run just two races in Diamond League meetings this season. He finished third in Shanghai where he was pipped by Lyles and Coleman.
Gatlin didn’t run the perfect race but was thrilled to win a race against a top field in Monaco.
“It’s all about putting together a good technical race, to use my experience,” Gatlin said.
“It feels great to beat these guys. This season is surreal, I can’t believe I’m still winning here after more than 20 years. Noah is a great runner, so every time I race him, I’m excited! “
Lyles said that he will draw confidence from what he felt was a very good start ahead of US World Championship trials.
“That was a good 2nd place, so I’m not sad. It was a good run,” said Lyles
“My start was considerably better than other races and that makes me excited going to Trials. It could have been technically better but the way i started brings me a lot of confidence.”
Diamond League sees Record-breaking night in Monaco
While Gatlin’s win came in the prime TV slot, the big news of the meeting came in the Women’s mile where the Netherlands Sifan Hassan set a brand new World record.
The Dutchwoman said: “I knew I could run fast, but the first 800 was a bit slow, so after that, I wasn’t thinking it would be a world record. When I crossed the line I was so surprised. After you run the last 400 like that and set a world record, it gives me so much confidence over 5000m. I want to double over 1500 and 5000 in Doha and the way I finished the last 400 there, it’s amazing – to run a world record the way I did makes me so happy! “
The Diamond League moves to London’s Olympic stadium next week.
