Prudence Sekgodiso opened her 2025 World Indoor Athletics Championships debut campaign by making smooth progress into the semi-finals of the women’s 800m in Nanjing, China, on Friday.
Running in the third of four heats, the South African won her race in 2min 03.89sec, having things her own way in the field of six runners when the first three finishers went through to the next stage.
The American Nia Atkins was the leading qualifier in 2:03.29, with Sekgodiso sixth overall after the heats, but only 0.60 seconds covered the fastest six on the time sheet.
Elsewhere, eyes were on Akani SImbine as South Africa’s leading men’s sprinter chases indoor success after a decorated 100m outdoor career. He arrived in Nanjing as the second-highest ranked qualifier at the championships.
Simbine scorched to a 6.67sec victory in his 60m heats, which was a season’s best. He automatically qualified for the semi-finals later Friday (2.03pm SA time).
