Simbine and Sekgodiso’s Big Cash Wins at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships
The 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, marked a historic achievement for South African athletics, with Prudence Sekgodiso and Akani Simbine delivering outstanding performances. Sekgodiso clinched the gold medal, while Simbine earned a bronze, both solidifying their places among the world’s elite athletes.
Prudence Sekgodiso’s Historic Gold
Prudence Sekgodiso made history by becoming the first South African woman to win a gold medal at the World Indoor Championships. She triumphed in the women’s 800m final, crossing the finish line in 1:58.40—a world-leading time that also shattered her own national indoor record by over a second.
Akani Simbine’s Bronze in the 60m
Akani Simbine showcased his sprinting prowess by securing the bronze medal in the men’s 60m final. He equalled his personal best of 6.53 seconds in the semi-finals and delivered a strong performance in the final to earn his first global individual medal.
Also read: Akani Simbine Sets 100m National Record, but Olympic Medal Eludes Him
Prize Money Breakdown
At the World Athletics Indoor Championships, athletes are awarded significant prize money for their performances. Below is the detailed prize money breakdown for individual events:
Individual Events:
- 1st place (Gold): US$40,000
- 2nd place (Silver): US$20,000
- 3rd place (Bronze): US$10,000
- 4th place: US$8,000
- 5th place: US$6,000
- 6th place: US$4,000
Team Events (Relays):
- 1st place (Gold): US$40,000
- 2nd place (Silver): US$20,000
- 3rd place (Bronze): US$10,000
- 4th place: US$8,000
- 5th place: US$6,000
- 6th place: US$4,000
Conversion to South African Rand
Using an approximate exchange rate of 1 US Dollar to 18.5 South African Rand, the prize money for Sekgodiso and Simbine in South African Rands would be:
- Prudence Sekgodiso’s Gold Medal Prize: US$40,000 × 18.5 = R740,000
- Akani Simbine’s Bronze Medal Prize: US$10,000 × 18.5 = R185,000
Notable Winners at the Championships
The championships featured remarkable performances across various events, with notable victories:
- Men’s 60m: Jeremiah Azu (Great Britain) won gold with a time of 6.49 seconds.
- Men’s 1500m and 3000m: Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway) achieved a historic double victory.
- Women’s 1500m: Gudaf Tsegay (Ethiopia) set a championship record with a time of 3:54.86.
- Women’s 60m Hurdles: Devynne Charlton (Bahamas) retained her title with a season-best 7.72 seconds.
- Men’s Long Jump: Mattia Furlani (Italy) clinched gold.
- Women’s High Jump: Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson secured a one-two finish for Australia.
- Men’s Shot Put: Tom Walsh (New Zealand) won his third indoor title.
- Men’s Heptathlon: Sander Skotheim (Norway) emerged victorious.
- Women’s Long Jump: Claire Bryant (USA) secured gold.
- Men’s 800m: Josh Hoey (USA) clinched the title.
- 4x400m Relays: The USA dominated both the men’s and women’s relays.
These victories highlight the remarkable talent on display at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships, showcasing the athletes’ dedication and resilience on the world stage.
