Akani Simbine is on fire this season, storming through the 2025 Wanda Diamond League circuit with back-to-back wins in Xiamen, Shanghai, and most recently, Keqiao, China. The South African athlete edged out Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson in a nail-biting 9.98s photo finish. The sprinting sensation clocked 9.99s in Xiamen and 9.98s in Shanghai, beating top-tier rivals like Christian Coleman, Ferdinand Omanyala, and Letsile Tebogo.

Despite the golds, Simbine isn’t completely content—he’s hunting time, not only victories. Even following a world-leading 9.90s at the Botswana Grand Prix and 60m bronze at the World Indoors in Nanjing, he still craves that defining time on the clock. Simbine previously held the African 100m record of 9.84s before Omanyala shattered it in 2021. Now 31, he isn’t slowing down—just accelerating. But apart from Simbine’s speedy performances on track, his fans must be curious about his ethnicity, roots, or religion. Let’s take a look.

What is Akani Simbine’s ethnicity?

Akani Simbine is proud to be a member of the Zulu ethnic group, one of the biggest and most powerful communities in South Africa. Born and raised in Kempton Park, Gauteng, Simbine was brought up in a multicultural setting that combined modern life with rich Zulu traditions. The combination of culture and his strong family values has made him the person he is today, both on and off the track.

What’s more, sprinting runs in the family. Akani Simbine’s mother, Elsie, was once a school-level sprinter herself. “My mom was a fast runner at school,” Simbine once said, crediting her for spotting his potential early and encouraging him to go after it. So, while Simbine’s speed gets him headlines, it’s his Zulu heritage and close-knit family support that give him his real drive. Beyond the track and the finish lines, many fans are curious about the beliefs that guide Simbine’s journey—so what role does faith play in his life?

What is Akani Simbine’s religion?

While sprinter Akani Simbine hasn’t openly discussed his specific religious affiliation in interviews, there are clear signs of his Christian faith. The 32-year-old South African sprinter rarely brings up religion in public conversations, but his consistent references to God on social media, especially after major competitions, indicate a strong personal belief in Christianity. This quiet conviction seems to play a significant role in his life, helping him stay grounded and focused amid the pressures of elite competition.

So, while he hasn’t made any formal statements, all signs, including his public expressions of gratitude to God, suggest that Simbine is a Christian, letting his actions and success reflect a faith he keeps personal but powerful. Keeping faith intact, Akani Simbine is moving ahead with his goals and leading his life on a smooth track.