By Commonwealth 200m champion Sinesipho Dambile says being compared to Jamaican great Usain Bolt is a “privilege” as he aims to establish himself among the world’s leading sprinters.
Sinesipho Dambile (Credits: BBC Sport)
The 24-year-old South African has enjoyed a breakthrough season, underlining his credentials as one of Africa’s most exciting track talents after winning Commonwealth gold in 19.96 seconds in July.
“Pressure Is a Privilege”
Speaking to the Warm Up Track podcast, Dambile said he relishes being mentioned alongside the fastest man in history: “Pressure is a privilege. I love it because that’s where I excel.”
He recalled meeting the eight-time Olympic champion at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where Bolt offered him simple advice: “Please make sure you enjoy this thing.”
Dambile finished eighth in the 200m final in Tokyo after setting a personal best of 19.97 seconds in the semi-finals – a mark he has since bettered.
A Breakthrough Season
June’s Diamond League meeting in Doha saw him clock 19.74 seconds, the fourth-fastest time recorded by any athlete in 2026. He went on to finish second behind the USA’s Kenny Bednarek – and ahead of Botswana’s 2024 Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo – in last month’s Diamond League final in Brussels.
But the year’s high point was undoubtedly Commonwealth gold, which made him the first South African to win the 200m title.
While the 200m remains his principal event, Dambile says he is “mentally willing to put in the work” to mimic Bolt, who likewise began specialising in the longer distance before dominating the 100m too. “I want you guys to count me in on the 100m,” he told his team. “I want to do both. I know I’m going to be successful.”
Riding South Africa’s Sprint Wave
Dambile’s success has coincided with growing belief within South African sprinting. He was part of the quartet – alongside Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine – that won 4x100m gold at the World Relays in Guangzhou last year.
He credits veteran Simbine’s influence as crucial: the 2018 Commonwealth 100m champion finally landed an Olympic medal at Paris 2024 with 4x100m relay silver.
A relaxed character, Dambile promises fans will “get more of my personality” as he follows Bolt’s advice to enjoy his time on the track: “I’m always smiling out there, I’m always looking at the crowd, looking at the kids, and that’s just me.”
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
