Alphonce Felix Simbu has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who supported him after finishing second in the World Best Athlete award for road racing.
The prestigious awards took place on November 30 in Monaco, France, where Simbu faced his final competitor, Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who emerged as the winner.
Speaking upon his return to Tanzania, Simbu thanked Tanzanians, sports stakeholders, the government, and the National Sports Council (BMT) for standing by him throughout every stage of his journey.
He also acknowledged the support of the Chief of Defense Forces for giving him opportunities to participate in national and international events, as well as the Tanzania Athletics Association (RT).
“Tanzania has made history through this achievement. No one before has reached such a stage. I could not have done this alone many people have supported me along the way,” Simbu said.
Rogath Stephen, President of RT, said the association will now focus on nurturing young athletes who can continue Simbu’s legacy in the years to come.
Simbu made history this year by winning a gold medal at the World Championships in Tokyo and finishing second at the Boston Marathon. Meanwhile, Sawe claimed victories at the Berlin Marathon and London Marathon in 2025.