SA WRAP: Du Plessis takes silver, Simbine fourth in Lausanne

Despite unforgiving rainfall, Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ane du Plessis, managed to hold on for second position in the women's javelin throw at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday night.

Du Plessis landed the javelin at 58.89m, and even though she was well short of Serbian athlete Adriana Vilagos who secured victory with a 63.02m throw, Du Plessis did enough to earn her third Diamond League podium finish of the season.

Also competing in the challenging wet conditions, two other South African athletes gave their best performances of the night.

SIMBINE FOURTH 

In the men's 100m sprint, SA record holder, Akani Simbine, grabbed fourth place in 10.05 seconds. Up front, Jamaican athlete Oblique Seville took a convincing win in 9.87.

Behind Seville, a few athletes crossed the line in a blanket finish in the battle for the remaining podium places, with Simbine narrowly edged out by Olympic champion Noah Lyles of the United States and Jamaica's Ackeem Blake, who both clocked 10.02 in second and third.

After putting up a fight in the women's 800m race while trying to stick with the pace of Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson of Great Britain, world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso faded in the closing stages.

Hodgkinson tore clear to win in 1:55.69, setting a meeting record, while Sekgodiso settled for sixth place in 1:58.76.

“We are delighted by the performances of our athletes at this meeting where Jo-Ane delivered a brilliant effort to claim the silver medal in bad weather, showing her class and determination on one of the biggest stages in world athletics.

"Her achievement is another proud moment for South Africa and a reflection of the hard work she has put into her career. Congratulations to herself, the coach and her support team.

"Akani, on the other hand, continues to show why he is one of the most respected sprinters in the world. Finishing fourth in a world-class 100m final demonstrates his consistency and ability to compete at the very highest level.

“Prudence, showed courage and potential by finishing sixth in a very competitive 800m field and we are excited about the path ahead of her," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa.

With one leg remaining in the league phase of the Diamond League series, to be held in Brussels on Friday night, Du Plessis, Simbine and Sekgodiso have already qualified for the series final taking place in Zurich next week.