by Alfonz Juck
Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by PhotoRun.net
PRETORIA (RSA): World 400m record-holder Wayde van Niekerk says he will focus on trying to break 43 seconds for his specialist distance before competing more over the shorter distances. “We are basically leaning towards the 400m, I think I want to seal the 42, that is where my mind is at and my heart is at,” Van Niekerk told iol.co.za. “I want to focus and invest properly and get that 42, then I can get back to what I really want to do which is the 100m and 200m.”
Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by PhotoRun.net
Runblogrun opines: Wayde Van Niekerk may be the most talented human to ever run the 400m. The body of an 800m runner (Marcello Fiasconaro?), the speed and agility of a 100m/200m specialist, Wayde has a gear from 300m to the finish that is, well, sublime. If he can regain his top elite fitness, which is no mean feat, then, we may see a new WR. I am cautiously optimistic. Wayde and his coach are taking the time to regain fitness precisely and with time needed. Remember when Wilson Kipketer tried to comeback too soon from malaria? Wilson told me that it was a mistake, one must be patient. We wish Wayde success, but most importantly, we wish Wayde patience.
Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by PhotoRun.net
