Simbine has clocked several sub-10 times over the distance over the past few weeks as he continues his prep for the global showpiece.

Yesterday Simbine was beaten in the 200m for men in Roodepoort by the current South African record holder over the distance, Wayde van Niekerk.

Simbine said he is using the 200m to strengthen his 100m sprint and despite having to settle for second behind Van Niekerk, he is happy with his performance nonetheless.

“It is always great running against the likes of Wayde van Niekerk, Anaso Jobodwana and Isaac Makwala. They are great athletes and they bring out the best in me.

“It was great that we could all come out to race and face each other.

“I was happy that I ran and we put together a good race. We hyped this race up and we were happy that we brought some excitement to the South African athletics community.”

“Coming into the bend, that was terrible, but I am happy with the load that my body is taking and I was happy with the race. I raced last week, this past weekend and just now, so I’m just happy that I’m healthy and I’m keeping it going.

“It is a combination of a few things and I can't really say what it is. You can’t point it to one thing. You can say it is the body, but I am happy with the run and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.

“It's a tester to see where we are as compared to last year and this year, I really feel better than I was last year. I’m excited for the year and the South African Championships that take place in two weeks and see what I can do there.”

The 2021 Olympics is set for 30 July to 8 August.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport