HONOURED: Simbine, Sekgodisho win big at SA Sport Awards

Sprinter Akani Simbine and middle distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso walked away the Sport Star of the Year and middle-distance runner was named Sportswoman of the Year during Sunday night's 2026 SA Sport Awards at Sun City resort in the North West.

The two were among a long list of track and field athletes who collected big individuals wins at a gala ceremony. During the 2025 season - which was used as the nomination period for the awards - Simbine earned the bronze medal in the 60m final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, anchored the SA 4x100m team to gold at the World Athletics Relays and reached the 100m final at the World Athletics Championships. He also won three 100m races in the prestigious Diamond League series.

Over the same period, between January and December last year, 800m specialist Sekgodiso won gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, and she achieved three podium finishes at Diamond League meetings.

In other categories, sprinter Bayanda Walaza received the Junior Sport Star of the Year accolade. Walaza won the men's 100m and 200m titles at the World University Games and formed part of the national 4x100m relay team that secured victory at the World Athletics Relays. He also broke the South African U20 men's 100m record on two occasions, lowering the national junior mark to 9.94 seconds.

Puseletso Mabote, who won the T63 men's 100m final at the World Para Athletics Championships, was named Sportsman of the Year with a Disability. Simoné Kruger, who earned gold in the F38 women's discus throw at the World Para Athletics Championships, was named Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability. And Thabo Matebedi, who coached Walaza throughout the 2025 season, as well as World Championships finalists Gift Leotlela and Sinesipho Dambile, received the Coach of the Year award.

Other athletes who were recognised included distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt, who broke multiple national records on the track and the road. He received the Minister's Excellence Recognition award for his outstanding contribution and pursuit of excellence in South African sport. Retired long-distance runner Willie Mtolo, a former winner of the New York Marathon (in 1992), was given the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket, recognising his remarkable contribution and lasting impact on SA sport.