Wayde van Niekerk

Wayde van Niekerk snuck into the final of the men’s 400m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in Hungary on Tuesday. Photo: Olympics.org

Wayde van Niekerk has Paris 2024 in his sights

Former 400-metre sprint Olympic and world champion Wayde van Niekerk is out to get back on top in the sport.

Wayde van Niekerk

Wayde van Niekerk snuck into the final of the men’s 400m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in Hungary on Tuesday. Photo: Olympics.org

Former 400-metre sprint Olympic and world champion Wayde van Niekerk is out to get back on top in the sport.

Van Niekerk has been plagued by injury concerns since a freak accident while playing touch rugby.

Wayde van Niekerk building momentum

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He made a return to the track this week with a victory at the national championships earlier this year.

Wayde van Niekerk
South African world record holder Wayde van Niekerk missed out on winning a medal in the men’s 400m at the World Athletics Championships. Photo: Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix

Van Niekerk finished just ahead of promising young star Zakithi Nene in Potchefstroom.

He was happy with the performance and feels that he just needs to keep things rolling.

“I feel comfortable,” Van Niekerk said after his heat.

“The lane draw was a bit uncomfortable, but I tried to do the best I can and I crossed the line feeling comfortable, so I’m happy.

“Physically, I’ve been doing quite well and feeling strong. I’ve been putting in the hard work and I’m just trying to put my best foot forward every time I have an opportunity.

“I’ve never been gone, but there was just a lot of hard work that needed to be done behind the scenes. A lot of you guys forgot the fact that I’m still an athlete, but I’m here.

“The hard work has never stopped. it’s just about getting my momentum back again.”

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World record pace on his mind

Van Niekerk hasn’t found the pace to match his former marks but hopes to get back to threatening the world record.

“[The goal] has to be growth. I’m hoping for some mental and physical strength to try and overcome that barrier and get back to the 43 seconds,” he said.

“Everything is a stepping stone. I’m just trying to do what needs to be done and get an opportunity to push and compete.

“I’m not too phased about the title but I want quality races and I want to put on great competitions to be amongst the world leaders. That’s my goal.”

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