WeeklySA_AdminPREPARATIONS: The world record holder in the 400m Van Niekerk, has opted for the 200m event at the ongoing ASASTFC in Pietermaritzburg to enhance his speed capabilities
By Sports Reporter
Men’s 400m world record-holder Wayde van Niekerk opened his Olympic year in earnest with a comfortable win in his 200m heat at the Athletics South Africa Senior Track and Field Championships in Pietermaritzburg on Friday morning (19 April).
Van Niekerk, who opted to run the half-lap instead of the 400m at the championships, eased through his heat at the Msunduzi Athletics Stadium, crossing the line in a winning time of 20.57 seconds. He finished ahead of Adrian Swarts, who clocked 20.70.
The 31-year-old will back into the blocks again in the semi-final on Saturday morning for a spot in the afternoon’s final. Van Niekerk will be looking to win his ninth national title, adding to the five he won in the 400m and the three in the 200m sprint event.
The championships are a homecoming of sorts for the South African track legend as he lines up not too far from where he won his maiden senior national title in the half-lap event way back in 2011.
Van Niekerk was just 18 years old when he dashed into the South African track and field consciousness, winning the 200m title in Durban in a time of 20.57s.
Van Niekerk had already shown his potential as a future star, making his international debut at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Canada, where he finished fourth in the 200m. With his win at the senior national championships, Van Niekerk put everyone on notice three years before winning his first of two 400m world titles in Beijing in 2015.
The world record holder in the 400m with an exceptional time of 43.03 seconds, Wayde Van Niekerk, has opted for the 200m event at the ongoing Athletics South Africa Senior Track and Field Championships in Pietermaritzburg to enhance his speed capabilities.
This decision serves as preparation for his return to the 400m competition at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris later this year.
Despite his focus on speed development, Van Niekerk is also honing his endurance skills during the national event.
He demonstrated his prowess by clocking 20.57 to secure victory in his heat, positioning himself as the frontrunner for tonight’s 200m final and coveted national title.
‘’If you have been following my career you know I love the 1 and 2, this is one of those opportunities the coach presented to me. It is always a privilege to run at home,’’ said van Niekerk.
Van Niekerk hadn’t competed in the 200m event for years, but he felt the urge to challenge himself and gauge his current abilities.
Upon completing the race, he found satisfaction in his performance, content with the time he achieved.
‘’I tried to control the race and put myself in a comfortable position and see what happens,’’ added van Niekerk. South African fans are placing high expectations on Van Niekerk for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
He himself is confident that he’s gradually reclaiming the formidable form that once propelled him to the top of the 400m event. He feels assured that he’s heading in the right direction.
Van Niekerk, currently residing in the USA, is delighted to return to his home country to compete, eager to inspire the young athletes in his field.
