'No DNA' - South Africa's Akani Simbine reveals how USA guy motivated him in stunning World Relays win

Akani Simbine’s relentless chase of USA’s Brandon Hicklin powered South Africa to a dramatic gold in the men’s 4x100m relay at the World Relays in Guangzhou, clocking a world-leading 37.61 seconds.

The South African team, ignited by 19-year-old World U20 double champion Bayanda Walaza, outran a stacked field to edge the USA (37.66) for silver, while Canada’s Olympic title-winning quartet took bronze.

Walaza, facing USA’s Courtney Lindsey, Canada’s Aaron Brown, and Japan’s Naoki Okami, set the tone with a fiery opening leg.

He handed off to Sinesipho Dambile, who kept pace as Canada’s Brown passed to Jerome Blake and USA’s two-time Olympic 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek surged forward.

Bradley Nkoana, running South Africa’s third leg, matched USA’s Kyree King stride for stride, delivering the baton to Simbine simultaneously with Hicklin.

The race came down to Simbine’s electrifying anchor. “Once I got the baton and saw the USA in front, I just said, ‘I need to catch the guy,’” Simbine said per World Athletics.

“I feed off chasing. I knew I could do it, and it’s great to get to the line first.” Trailing slightly, Simbine’s perfectly timed lean clinched the win. Canada’s Brendon Rodney and Andre De Grasse pushed for third, holding off Japan.

Earlier, China’s Shi Junhao, Zeng Keli, Wang Shengjie, and He Jinxian topped the second qualifying round with a 38.03, securing a World Championships berth alongside Australia.

France (38.31) and Ghana (38.32) qualified from a tight first heat, while Belgium (38.49, national record) and Kenya (38.51) earned spots in the second. Korea’s 38.51 set a national record but fell short of qualification.

Simbine’s hunger for the chase not only delivered South Africa’s victory but also signalled their dominance ahead of the Tokyo World Championships.

Taking to social media, the elated star was effusive in his praise and celebrated with an interesting reaction; “No DNA Just RSA,” he stated on X.