by Alfonz Juck
Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by PhotoRun.net
The beauty of our sport is constant. Watch an great athlete competing is life changing. In the 2016 Olympics, Wayde Van Niekerk was with LaShawn Merrit (2008 Olympic champion) and Kirani James (2012 Olympic champion). Over ther last 100m, Van Niekerk moved away from two grand masters of the full lap and set a new WR, 43.03! In 2017, Van Niekerk won the 400m in 43.98, taking the World title one year after the 400m WR.
Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by PhotoRun.net
Van Niekerk injured himself in the fall of 2017 in a rugby match. The big question has been, if the finest 400m runner can regain his form. That is a conundrum. I recall speaking with Wilson Kipketer on his attempt to regain fitness after a bout of malaria. He told me that he rushed it. In the case of Wayde Van Niekerk, it looks like they are taking the cautious approach, and he will miss Doha.
Van Niekerk no for Doha
PRETORIA (RSA): World record-holder and Olympic champion at 400 m Wayde van Niekerk will miss the World Championships in Doha. In a statement published by the South African on social media, Van Niekerk “faced another minor setback earlier this year and his comeback was delayed further for precautionary reasons.” However Van Niekerk has resumed training and he said he is “still positive and taking things day by day, respecting all the calls made by the doctors and respecting my body.”
