Wayde Van Niekerk, the world record holder and gold medalist at the 400 meters from Rio and Beijing, is about to begin his racing in for 2017. Per EME News (who credited Wayde’s manager Peet Van Zyl), the famed South African will be racing on March 10 and 11 in Bloemfontain, South Africa at the Provincial championships.
Wayde Van Niekerk, LaShawn Merritt, Kirani James, Rio 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net
Wayde will compete in two events, possibly more, we will just have to wait on his final decision. In any case, we will be looking for his races on You Tube!
I truly enjoyed meeting Wayde Van Niekerk in Boston last year for the adidas Boston Boost Games. Wayde is modest, thoughtful with a nice sense of humor. More than anything, Wayde is a truly talented athlete, who has taken is phenomenal talent and his amazing work ethic to a place where no one has ever ventured in the 400 meters before.
His last 100 meters in Rio was amazing! One of the most exciting moments I have seen in the sport. Wayde Van Niekerk dominated the 2008 and 2012 Olympic champions in the 400 meters, in a spectacular race!
Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by PhotoRun.net
I can not wait to see how fast this young man will go in 2017!