MOMENT OF PRIDE Shaun Maswanganyi (left) has revealed how he cherishes his Olympic success, drawing inspiration from mentor Akani Simbine's guidance and reflecting on their silver medal triumph in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics. Seen here (from l-r): Maswanganyi, Akani Simbine, Bradley Nkoana and Bayanda Walaza. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
As one of the key members of the SA men’s 4x100m silver-medalists at the Paris Olympics, it’s a tad surprising to hear that Shaun Maswanganyi was a bit awestruck to be competing alongside Akani Simbine.
Simbine has been one of the best and most consistent sprinters in the world over the last decade.
The 31-year-old Simbine has also been desperately unlucky during his career. He finished fourth in the men’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics last year.
As well as being the closest 100m final in Olympic history, it was also the fastest men’s 100m final in history, with all eight men breaking 10 seconds for the first time ever at the Paris Olympics.
However, lining up alongside Maswanganyi, Bayanda Walaza, and Bradley Nkoana - the SA quartet was able to secure an incredible second place on the biggest stage.
Though the four SA gladiators beat out all the competition except Canada. Despite his achievement, the 24-year-old Maswanganyi admitted the mix of emotions that overcame him after his team finished the race.
“Truth be told, I was starstruck, just looking back at the moment when Akani crossed the finish line; seeing him bring it home for us was just so surreal for us. Some days I wake up and forget that I have an Olympic medal,” Maswanganyi told SportsBoom.co.za.
“Akani has taught me a lot; it goes beyond just being an athlete. He has taught me how to be a good human being; he is a good mentor, and he is someone I look up to. I am glad he is as successful as he is.”
While Maswanganyi is studying towards a finance degree at the University of Houston, he still aims to represent South Africa whenever he can.
“I am still in school, using up my last year of eligibility. We are going to run the European circuit, and it will be my first year there.
“I will be in contact with Athletics South Africa to find out what my chances are of attending the SA championships.
“But ultimately I look forward to representing South Africa again at the world championships and going back to Tokyo, and I really feel like a statement needs to be made there."