SA WRAP: Simbine, du Plessis reach podium in Diamond League final

Akani Simbine and Jo-Ane du Plessis shone in their specialist events in Zurich on Thursday night, stepping on the podium at the Diamond League final and showcasing their form ahead of next month's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Simbine was edged into second place in a tight finish in the men's 100m race at the Diamond League series finale, clocking 9.98 seconds to dip under 10 seconds for the first time in his last five races. Finishing just 0.01 behind American sprinter Christian Coleman, who won the race in 9.97, Simbine was relieved to be finding his best form again a little more than two weeks out from the global championships.

"I was hoping for the win but Coleman just got it," Simbine said after the race.

"It was great to be out here and great to finally find my legs again. I am happy with where we are at right now. Despite the fact that I did not get the diamond, I'm all good and looking forward to the champs."

Behind Simbine, there was disappointment for junior star Bayanda Walaza, who pulled up with a hamstring injury. Looking good for a podium place at the midway stage of the race, Walaza hobbled over the line in 12.10 and was assisted off the track in a clearly emotional state, with his appearance at next month's World Championships now in doubt.

With three South Africans competing in the men's 100m race, Shaun Maswanganyi ended seventh in 10.19.

Olympic silver medallist Du Plessis flaunted her consistency in the women's javelin throw competition.

She landed the javelin at 62.26m with her first attempt, going over the 62-metre mark for the fourth time this season. Elina Tzengko of Greece triumphed with a 64.57m heave and Adriana Vilagos of Slovenia was second with a 62.96m throw.

In other events, world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso settled for sixth place in the women's 800m race in 1:58.57.

Zeney van der Walt finished eighth in the women's 400m hurdles contest in 56.90, and Rogail Joseph was fifth in the women's 400m hurdles B race, setting a season's best of 56.00.

"We congratulate Akani and Jo-Ane for reaching the podium in their respective events," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. "We are a few weeks to the World champs and it's a crucial and testing phase for every athlete."