Samaai, Simbini target World Champs podium
Panasonic South Africa, this week celebrated the 2016 achievements of its key brand ambassadors, athletes Akani Simbine and Ruswahl Samaai. At an event held at the company’s head office in Midrand, the organisation not only highlighted the pair’s record-breaking achievements, but also conducted a product handover to the two men.
Speaking at the event, Claudine Rodrigues, Panasonic’s Head of Marketing said:
“The boys have really hit the heights this year and as Panasonic South Africa,
we couldn't be prouder of them. By the look of it, the future is extremely
bright for these two young men and we expect that their careers will go from
strength to strength over the next few seasons.”
This year, Akani Simbine broke the South African 100m record, as well as
qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio, in which he finished 5th in the 100m
final. There is a very real prospect of the athlete stamping his name in 100m
history in the seasons to come.
“I am very happy with my performance this year, although I am also looking
forward to a well-deserved break,” says Akani. “The support I have received
from Panasonic has certainly helped get me to where I am today, and there is
much more still to come.”
Ruswahl Samaai began the year on a high note, by finishing first and jumping
his personal best (8.38m) in the men’s long jump at the African Championships.
Ruswahl went into this year’s Olympics Games as one of the medal favourites in
his discipline, but sadly a hamstring injury during speed training before the
competition saw him finishing 9th overall.
“I was obviously disappointed with the injury, which hampered my performance at the Olympics. However, I have been receiving treatment and will be ready for pre-season. I am grateful to Panasonic for the company’s support during this time and I have no doubt I will come back from this even stronger,” says Samaai.