The Men’s 400 meters is the end of one era, and the beginning of another. LaShawn Merritt, 2008 Olympic champion, bowed out in the heats. Kirani James, 2012 Olympic champ, was injured prior to the event, and US runners did not medal for the first time in my Quixotic memory.
Wayde Van Niekerk, gold medalist, 400 meters, photo by PhotoRun.net
Wayde Van Niekerk made it look easy. His 43.98, in cold weather has not recieved the respect it deserves, especially from TV pundits who should know much better. Steve Gardiner of the Bahamas is a prototype of the 400 meter runner, like Wayde, long legs, and tall, but Steve Gardiner is a man of immense talent, and he should be challenging Wayde for some years to come. Abdelah Haroun is a fine talent, and his finish was superb. Mr. Haroun will be here for many years to battle in the 400 meter wars. A tired Fred Kerley, who ran from January to August, should be shown some respect. Althought Mr. Kerley did not medal in the open 400 meters, he ran tough in the 4x400m.
Here’s an intruiging presser. Wayde Van Niekerk was given some ill informed questions on Isaac Makwala, the fine Botswanan who had the Oracle of Delphi (look up Greek Mythology) not on his side. Some in the press chastized IAAF, IAAF doctor and even Van Niekerk was blamed for Makwala’s non appearance in the final. Suffice it to say, Mr. Makwala is a huge talent and will medal in future years, I believe.
But, the 400 meters was won by Wayde Van Niekerk fair and square. As the American folk singer, Steve Forbert (Cellophane City, 1978) once sang: “if you want to win, you have to play.”
