South African athlete and world record holder for the 400m, Wayde Van Niekerk, stands a chance to make history yet again at the 2024 Olympics, should the South African relay team win.
The US-based runner who recently turned 32, and the 2016 Olympic 400m champion, was withdrawn from the one-lap race to boost both of South Africa’s relay teams.
The Olympics will begin from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, where 10500 athletes will be competing for medals.
South Africa qualified to the 4x100m, and the 4x400m, where they are considered a top medal contender after their silver at the 2024 World Relays.
The relay will begin on August 8 same day as the 200m final.
If South Africa wins both relays, the 4x100m final is on August 9 and the 4x400m the following night — Van Niekerk will again make history at the Olympics to add to his world-record performance winning gold eight years ago.
Van Niekerk made history when he shattered Michael Johnson’s record in winning the final in Brazil the world record in 2016 with a time of 43.03.
He has only raced once in the 400m this season, a third-place finish at the New York City Grand Prix on 9 June, following a career-threatening knee injury.
This means that he needs to bring his best in order for the South African team’s 400m relay to make it to the podium.
Apart from the relays, Van Niekerk will also be participating in the men’s 200m race.
